COLUMBUS — One of the more conservative recent members of the Ohio House plans to seek the western Ohio seat to be vacated by Senate President Keith Faber (R., Celina).

Former state Rep. John Adams, a Sidney Republican, was forced out of the House at the end of last year by term limits. During his tenure, he was a major force behind often controversial but so far unsuccessful efforts to eliminate Ohio’s income tax, ban an abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, and repeal the Common Core standards for K-12 education.

Gov. John Kasich, however, signed his bill opening more parks and other state lands to potential oil and gas drilling.

The 12th District is GOP territory, containing all or part of seven counties, stretching as far north as Allen County.

“It’s simple,” Mr. Adams said. “I believe in common-sense government that lets families keep more of their hard-earned money, protecting unborn children, and energizing Ohio’s economic power by reducing spending deficits and burdensome regulations. Ohio needs conservative leadership, now more than ever.”

Mr. Adams, 50, a former Navy SEAL and owner of a furniture store, will seek the Republican nomination next year. Rep. Matt Huffman, of Lima, who served in House leadership with Mr. Adams until term limits ushered them both out, is also a potential potential contender.

Mr. Faber is term-limited and cannot run again in 2016.

First Published March 2, 2015, 6:33 p.m.