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Americans have less trust in their government today than at any point in modern history -- even lower than during Watergate. That is a stunning and troubling reality. A nation founded on representative government now views its own institutions with deep skepticism, frustration, and cynicism.
While many factors contribute to this erosion of trust, one issue consistently rises to the surface: a political system dominated by entrenched, career politicians who treat Congress not as public service, but as a lifetime job.
In Ohio, we understand the value of accountability. We expect results, transparency and leaders who remember who they work for. Yet in Washington, the incentives are backward. Members of Congress routinely serve for decades, insulated from consequences, disconnected from everyday Ohioans, and increasingly focused on preserving power rather than solving problems.
This isn't how the system was intended to work.
The Founders feared permanent political classes. They believed citizen-legislators -- not political lifers -- would best represent the people. While they included term limits for the presidency, they never imagined a Congress where incumbents enjoy near-automatic re-election and amass power year after year.
Today, more than 90 percent of members of Congress are re-elected, even as public approval of Congress hovers near historic lows. That disconnect tells us something fundamental is broken.
Career politicians have little incentive to compromise, listen, or innovate. They learn how to navigate Washington's power structures, not how to reflect the will of the people back home. Over time, seniority replaces merit, loyalty to party leadership outweighs loyalty to voters, and accountability disappears.
It's no wonder Americans feel ignored.
Term limits are not a silver bullet, but they are a critical first step in restoring trust. They would disrupt the permanent political class, bring fresh perspectives into Congress, reduce the influence of entrenched special interests, and remind elected officials that public office is a responsibility -- not a career entitlement.
Importantly, support for congressional term limits is overwhelming and bipartisan. More than 80 percent of Americans -- Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike -- agree on this issue. In a polarized nation, that level of consensus is rare.
Ohioans have already shown leadership here. Our state has a proud history of pushing reforms that put citizens first. Now, Ohio has an opportunity to once again lead the nation.
In 2026, Ohio lawmakers can pass an Article V resolution calling for a convention of states limited solely to congressional term limits. This approach is constitutional, targeted and responsible. It allows states -- not Washington insiders -- to drive reform, while keeping the convention narrowly focused on one issue the public overwhelmingly supports.
This is not about partisanship. It's not about punishing one party or empowering another. It's about restoring balance, accountability, and trust in a system that has drifted far from its purpose.
Ohio families work hard, play by the rules, and expect the same from their government. They don't get to keep jobs forever without performance reviews. Neither should members of Congress.
If trust in government is to be rebuilt, Americans need to believe the system works for them again. Term limits send a clear message: no one is entitled to power, and no office belongs to any individual.
Ohio can take the lead -- not for political gain, but for the health of our republic.
Restoring trust starts with action. And it can start right here in Ohio.
(Coughlin is the Ohio state chair for U.S. Term Limits, the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to advocating for term limits)