He was a member of the Ohio Crime Commission from 1967 to 1968. During 1968, Saxbe was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating the Democratic candidate, former Ohio Rep. (1965–67) John J. Gilligan. During his campaign, he became a prominent supporter of a national health insurance system. When President Nixon resumed bombing North Vietnam in late 1972, Saxbe stated that the President had 'lost his senses'.