Age: 63
Background: Kasich graduated from Ohio State University. Early in his political career, Kasich served on the Ohio Senate. In 1983, he was elected to the House of Representatives where he served as the Chairman of the House Budget Committee for six years. Before being elected the governor of Ohio, his current position, Kasich worked for the now-defunct Lehman Brothers.
Stance on hot topics: Kasich is a proponent of creating a no-fly zone around Syria and leading a coalition against ISIS in the Middle East. While he is a defender of gun rights, he voted for an assault weapon ban when he served in the House; Kasich believes mental health issues should be addressed in conjunction with new gun laws. Unlike the majority of Republican candidates, Kasich supports a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Memorable quote: On being "old-fashioned" but respecting the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage: "Because somebody doesn’t think the way I do doesn't mean that I can't care about them or can't love them."
Standout moment from 2016 election — so far: During the fourth debate, Kasich criticized Donald Trump's immigration policy and called it ridiculous; Trump got defensive, leading to a heated argument in which Kasich did his best version of "talk to the hand."
— Reporting by Eleanor Sheehan
