As Ohio gears up for the 2026 elections, three pivotal statewide races are capturing attention: the governor’s office, a U.S. Senate seat, and the role of secretary of state. These contests are shaping the political landscape in a state that has seen significant shifts over the years.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a millionaire entrepreneur from Upper Arlington, leads the Republican ticket for governor, with state Senate President Rob McColley from Napoleon as his running mate. Their candidacy signals a strong push from the GOP to maintain its hold on the governorship. The Democratic contenders include Dr. Amy Acton, who previously served as Ohio’s state health director, paired with former Democratic State Chair David Pepper from Cincinnati for the lieutenant governor position.
The U.S. Senate race remains competitive as former Senator Sherrod Brown, 73, seeks to reclaim his seat after being unseated in 2024 by Republican Bernie Moreno. Brown aims to challenge incumbent Senator Jon Husted, 58, who was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine following the resignation of J.D. Vance. This seat is crucial, as it covers a term from late 2026 through 2028.
Secretary of State and Attorney General Races
Two Democrats are contending for the secretary of state nomination, a position that oversees elections and plays a significant role in districting. Allison Russo, the former Ohio House Minority Leader, and Dr. Bryan Hambley, a physician from Loveland, are vying for the nomination. Hambley has focused on grassroots campaigns and previously advocated for an anti-gerrymandering initiative that was ultimately unsuccessful.
On the Republican side, current State Treasurer Robert Sprague, hailing from Findlay, is aiming for the secretary of state role as well. His background includes significant legislative experience and advanced degrees from Duke University.
In the attorney general race, Democratic candidate John J. Kulewicz, a City Council member from Upper Arlington, is set to face Republican Keith Faber, the State Auditor and a former state Senate president. Kulewicz, who has a law degree from Yale, is joined in the Democratic race by former state representative Elliot Forhan.
The race for state auditor features Democratic candidate Annette Blackwell, the mayor of Maple Heights, competing against incumbent Republican Frank LaRose. Blackwell, who has a strong educational background, is also noted for her heritage as an African American leader.
Cincinnati City Council member Seth Walsh is running for state treasurer, while several Republicans, including former state legislator Niraj Antani and former State Representative Jay Edwards, are also in the mix for the nomination.
The term limits imposed by Ohio’s governance have led to notable shifts in candidate alignments, particularly as incumbents like Attorney General David Yost are stepping down. Ramaswamy has secured the GOP’s nomination for governor early, a position Yost had previously expressed interest in.
Ohioans are not only preparing to elect their statewide officials but will also select U.S. House candidates and fill Ohio Supreme Court seats, where the current composition is heavily favoring the Republican Party. As the 2026 campaigns unfold, both parties are aware of the challenges ahead and the necessity for robust strategies to engage voters.
The political landscape in Ohio is evolving, and as candidates prepare for the upcoming races, the implications for both parties are significant. The stakes are high, and voter engagement will be crucial in determining the outcomes in this battleground state.
