Ohio Pushes for NASA Headquarters Relocation.
With NASA's lease on its Washington, D.C. headquarters set to expire in 2028, Ohio lawmakers are pushing for the space agency to relocate its headquarters to Ohio.
In a letter sent to Vice President JD Vance and NASA Administrator nominee Jared Isaacman, a group of Ohio’s Congressional representatives — led by Republican U.S. Rep. Max Miller and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted — made the case for bringing the headquarters to the state.
They argue that Ohio, with its rich aerospace history, would align with broader efforts to decentralize federal agencies and revitalize regions outside Washington, D.C.
“Ohio is the birthplace of aviation, the heart of America’s aerospace industry, and a critical hub for advanced technology, research, and manufacturing,” the letter stated. The lawmakers pointed out that relocating NASA to Ohio would reinforce the country’s leadership in space exploration and aeronautics innovation.
Signatories of the letter also include U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno and U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson, Mike Carey, Jim Jordan, and many others.
Competing States: Florida and Texas
While Ohio is pushing hard for the move, it isn’t the only state vying for NASA’s headquarters. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has suggested relocating the headquarters to Kennedy Space Center, near Orlando, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has put forward his state as another potential host.
However, Ohio argues its aerospace heritage, lower operational costs, and central role in technology and defense make it the most attractive location for NASA.
NASA Glenn Research Center: The Ideal Location
The Ohio lawmakers have specifically recommended Cleveland’s NASA Glenn Research Center as the potential headquarters site. They believe relocating to this facility would streamline operations, ensure access to world-class aerospace research, and save taxpayers money.
NASA Glenn Research Center and nearby Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offer extensive office space and redevelopment potential, making them an ideal location for NASA's headquarters.
“We’re uniquely positioned to offer everything NASA needs — from cutting-edge research facilities to a highly skilled workforce and cost-effective business climate,” Rep. Max Miller wrote in a recent opinion piece.
Key Benefits of Relocation
Ohio lawmakers argue that Ohio offers a rare opportunity for NASA to break free from the high costs and bureaucratic stagnation of Washington, D.C. According to Miller, moving to Ohio would create a research and development powerhouse, driving space exploration and aeronautics innovation.
Streamlining NASA’s Operations
One of the key advantages of relocating to Ohio is the potential to consolidate operations. NASA's current headquarters in D.C. is located in a privately leased building, and many NASA employees do not work in-office regularly.
Moving the headquarters to an existing NASA field center, such as the Glenn Research Center, would streamline functions and reduce costs while maintaining access to essential infrastructure.
Rep. Miller emphasized that Ohio’s "perfect balance of deep aerospace roots, cutting-edge research facilities, and a skilled workforce" makes it the best option for NASA’s future operations.
