Politicians from Ohio have played significant roles in American politics, often influencing national policies. The state has produced notable figures such as Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President, and William Howard Taft, the 27th President, both of whom were born in Ohio. In addition to presidents, Ohio has been home to influential senators and governors, including Sherrod Brown and John Kasich. The state's diverse political landscape reflects a mix of urban and rural interests, making it a key battleground in elections and a microcosm of broader national trends.