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Ohio Democrats Shift Focus to State-Level Races
Renewed energy and strategy seen in push for governor, legislature, and Senate seats
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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Ohio Democrats appear to be shifting their focus from national politics to state-level races, with a renewed energy and strategy to elect a Democratic governor, gain control of the state legislature, and unseat a Republican U.S. Senator. This marks a change from the party's traditional obsession with national politics over state-level campaigns in recent decades.
Why it matters
The down-ticket push by Ohio Democrats could signal a significant shift in the party's approach, potentially giving them a better chance of gaining power in the state government and reversing what the author describes as "lost opportunities" over the past 35 years. This could have major implications for issues like property tax reform, education funding, and the balance of power in Ohio.
The details
The article highlights several factors behind the Democrats' renewed focus on state-level races, including the party's determination to elect Ohio's first female governor, Dr. Amy Acton, and the mobilization of former aides and supporters of ex-Governor Richard Celeste. The Democrats also seem laser-focused on unseating appointed Republican Senator Jon Husted and regaining control of the state legislature, in contrast with their past tendency to prioritize national over state campaigns.
- Ohio's next gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026.
- The race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Jon Husted will also take place in 2026.
The players
Dr. Amy Acton
A Bexley Democrat running for Ohio governor.
Jon Husted
The appointed Republican U.S. Senator from Upper Arlington, Ohio.
Richard Celeste
A former Democratic governor of Ohio who served from 1983 to 1991 and is still active in state politics.
Vern Riffe
A long-serving Democratic Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives who worked closely with Governor Celeste.
Sherrod Brown
A Bexley Democrat and former U.S. Senator who the Ohio Democratic Party is seeking to return to the Senate.
What’s next
The 2026 Ohio gubernatorial and U.S. Senate elections will be key tests of the Ohio Democratic Party's new state-focused strategy.
The takeaway
After years of prioritizing national politics, the Ohio Democratic Party appears to be shifting its focus to state-level races, with the goal of electing a Democratic governor, regaining control of the state legislature, and unseating a Republican U.S. Senator. This could mark a significant change in the party's approach and have major implications for Ohio politics in the coming years.
