Big Endorsements Fuel Competitive Ohio Treasurer GOP Primary

Vice President Vance and Gubernatorial Hopeful Ramaswamy Back Rival Candidates in Low-Profile Statewide Race

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:04am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring the Ohio state capitol building repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conveying the competitive and shifting nature of the state treasurer primary race.The competitive GOP primary for Ohio state treasurer reflects a larger proxy battle over the future of the Republican Party in the post-Trump era.Cincinnati Today

The Republican primary for Ohio state treasurer is drawing high-profile endorsements from Vice President JD Vance and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, backing rival candidates Jay Edwards and Kristina Roegner respectively. The race is unusually competitive for a typically low-profile statewide office, with the winner facing a Democratic challenger in the fall.

Why it matters

The Ohio treasurer's race is attracting outsized attention and endorsements, seen by some as a proxy battle for the future direction of the Republican Party after former President Trump leaves office. The winner will oversee state investments and tax collections, though the office rarely makes headlines if the job is done well.

The details

Former state Rep. Jay Edwards, backed by Vance and Sen. Bernie Moreno, and state Sen. Kristina Roegner, endorsed by Ramaswamy and top Ohio lawmakers, are the two GOP candidates. Neither has run statewide before, so the race could come down to high-profile TV ads touting their better-known supporters. Edwards says Vance and Moreno want to keep the party aligned with Trump's 'America First' vision, while Roegner has the support of the state's conservative establishment.

  • Early voting has already begun in Ohio.
  • The primary election is scheduled for May 5, 2026.

The players

JD Vance

Vice President of the United States.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Gubernatorial candidate in Ohio.

Jay Edwards

Former state representative from Nelsonville, Ohio, running for state treasurer.

Kristina Roegner

State senator representing Summit, Geauga and Portage counties, running for state treasurer.

Seth Walsh

Cincinnati City Council member, Democratic candidate for state treasurer.

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What they’re saying

“I had never heard of this guy before, but I was sitting there listening, and I heard him speak, and he was brilliant. He was just so articulate and so bold and direct and right on the issues.”

— Kristina Roegner, State Senator

“Whether you agree with me or disagree with me on the right to life issue, that really is off the table when it comes to the treasurer's race. What should matter in the general election is qualifications, and again, hands down, I know I'm the most qualified person for this role.”

— Kristina Roegner, State Senator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ongoing battle for the future direction of the Republican Party in Ohio, with high-profile endorsements from national figures like Vance and Ramaswamy backing rival candidates. Voters will have a clear choice between two very different visions for the party's future.