Ohio’s political landscape is gearing up for the significant races in the upcoming 2026 elections, particularly for the positions of governor, U.S. senator, and secretary of state. Leading the Republican ticket for governor is billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, who has selected state Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate. On the Democratic side, the anticipated candidates include former state health director Dr. Amy Acton for governor and former state party chair David Pepper as her lieutenant governor candidate.
In the Senate race, former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, who was unseated in 2024, is seeking to reclaim his seat. Brown aims to challenge incumbent Senator Jon Husted, who was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine after J.D. Vance resigned to assume the vice presidency. This race will be for a two-year term, covering the remainder of Vance’s term until 2028.
The role of secretary of state is also contentious, with two Democrats vying for their party’s nomination. Allison Russo, the former Ohio House Minority Leader, faces fellow Democrat Dr. Bryan Hambley, a physician who has been actively campaigning since early 2025. The secretary of state oversees elections and plays a critical role in drawing state and congressional districts, making this position vital for both parties.
On the Republican side, the candidate for secretary of state is current state treasurer Robert Sprague, who has a background in engineering and business from Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The race for attorney general features Democratic candidate John J. Kulewicz, who has served on the Upper Arlington City Council and previously worked as a partner at a major law firm. He is set to face Republican Keith Faber, the state auditor and former state Senate president. Another Democrat, Elliot Forhan, is also in contention for the nomination.
In the race for state auditor, Annette Blackwell, the mayor of Maple Heights, is running for the Democratic nomination. Blackwell, who has a strong educational background, is competing against the incumbent, Frank LaRose, who is also a Republican.
The race for state treasurer is heating up, with Seth Walsh, a Cincinnati City Council member, running for the Democratic nomination. The Republican field includes former state legislators Niraj Antani and Jay Edwards, along with state Senator Kristina Roegner.
Ohio’s term limits are reshaping the political landscape, with incumbents like Faber, LaRose, and Sprague navigating their next moves. The upcoming elections will provide voters with the opportunity to select candidates for U.S. House seats and determine the composition of the Ohio Supreme Court, which currently has a significant Republican majority.
Political analysts suggest that while the Republican Party remains dominant, the upcoming elections may present challenges that could alter the current power dynamics in Ohio’s government. As the campaign season progresses, both parties are preparing for a competitive environment that could see unexpected shifts in voter sentiment.
