Here are the candidates running for Ohio statewide office in 2026
Ohio voters will decide races for governor, U.S. Senate, statewide offices, and the Ohio Supreme Court this November. Here’s a look at who’s running ahead of the May primary.
Elections
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With electricity bills rising, some states consider new data center laws
As electricity bills rise, states are targeting data centers with higher rates and stricter rules to prevent their massive energy demands from driving up costs for households and small businesses.
Eric Watson to Gary Click in Ohio GOP primary: Name-calling and insults 'not needed'
Republican challenger Eric Watson says Ohio House races should focus on issues, not insults, as he contrasts policy positions with incumbent Gary Click ahead of the May 5 primary.
Former GOP Bellevue councilman jailed again after bond revoked
Joseph Burkhart, a Republican former Bellevue City Council member who attended Trump rallies and backed Vivek Ramaswamy’s Ohio governor bid, is back in jail after a judge revoked his bond.
Incumbent Democrats hold huge cash advantage in Ohio’s competitive congressional seats
Democratic incumbents in Ohio’s most competitive U.S. House races are far outpacing Republican challengers in fundraising, despite new maps and midterm headwinds.
Ohio senators, governor respond to calls from Brown to extend protections for Haitians
Former Sen. Sherrod Brown called on Ohio Republicans to back an extension of temporary protected status for Haitians as fears mounted in Springfield and a judge blocked termination.
Politicians show Ohio voters their true colors
Social media erupted last week over Democratic Ohio attorney general candidate Elliot Forhan’s 40-second video post. “I want to tell…
Gary Click says Eric Watson challenge "in the ditch"
Ohio Rep. Gary Click faces a combative Republican primary challenge from Eric Watson in the 88th District as he seeks his final term before term limits.
Gary Click's podcast ranked among worst uses of social media in Ohio politics: poll
State Rep. Gary Click’s podcast earned Sloopy Awards notice as he faces a GOP primary challenge over fundraising and policy, with a general election matchup already set.
Eric Watson challenges Gary Click in heated Ohio House District 88 GOP primary
Tiffin entrepreneur Eric Watson has launched a Republican primary challenge against State Rep. Gary Click, attacking his support for Digital ID legislation and corporate ties. The May 5 primary winner faces Democrat Aaron Jones in November.
Rising health costs could shift midterm voters toward Democrats, survey shows
A new KFF poll shows 75% of voters say health care costs will impact their 2026 midterm votes, with majorities blaming Trump and congressional Republicans for letting ACA tax credits expire and driving up insurance premiums.
Strbich endorses Tiffin Republican Watson in primary challenge to Click
Ohio Secretary of State candidate Marcell Strbich has endorsed Eric Watson, a far-right Republican challenger to incumbent Rep. Gary Click in Ohio’s 88th House District.
Tiffin councilman Aaron Jones jumps into race for state house seat
Aaron Jones, Tiffin City Councilman and factory supervisor, announces Democratic campaign for Ohio's 88th House District. The U.S. Army veteran will challenge incumbent Gary Click in November.
Ohio lawmakers introduce bills to limit school vouchers, ban 17 year olds from getting married
Ohio lawmakers introduced bills to limit school voucher eligibility to families earning under $500,000, make Election Day a state holiday, and ban marriage for 17-year-olds. Bills must pass by the end of 2026.
What can we tell from how Ohio politicians reacted to the ICE killing of Alex Pretti in Minnesota?
Thank God we have video. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. In less than three weeks of the new year armed…
Fallout from Alex Pretti killing: Trump administration facing widespread criticism
Federal agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis after disarming him during an immigration enforcement operation. Video evidence contradicts Trump administration claims he posed a threat, prompting calls for independent investigation.
The challenges of bringing a ballot initiative to Ohio voters, and why it’s harder than ever
Redistricting reform advocates say they're reconsidering strategy after the 2024 ballot measure failed, citing challenges including misleading ballot language, fundraising hurdles, and the need for broader systemic change in Ohio's political process.
Ohio Equal Rights starts collecting signatures to get two amendments on November ballot
Ohio Equal Rights is gathering signatures for two 2026 ballot amendments to repeal Ohio’s same-sex marriage ban and strengthen statewide anti-discrimination protections.
One year of Donald Trump: Alarms sound over relentless expansion of presidential powers
Legal experts and historians say President Trump’s second-term expansion of executive power, from military actions to targeting critics, signals a dangerous shift away from democratic norms and checks and balances.
Federal courts deny Trump request for private voter data in 2 states
Federal courts in California and Oregon blocked Trump administration efforts to force states to hand over sensitive voter data, citing privacy concerns and limits on federal power over elections.
