Ohio Elections 2026: Crowded Ballot Includes Key Statewide Races

Ohioans will vote for new governor, attorney general, auditor, secretary of state, and treasurer this November.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The 2026 Ohio elections will feature a crowded ballot with several high-profile statewide races, including for governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general, auditor, secretary of state, and treasurer. A primary election in May will determine the final candidates for the November general election. All current statewide executive office-holders are term-limited, leading to open races across the board.

Why it matters

The 2026 Ohio elections will have major implications for the state's political landscape, as new leaders will be elected to fill all statewide executive offices. These races will shape Ohio's policies and priorities for years to come, particularly given the state's status as a key battleground in national elections.

The details

The candidate filing deadline was February 9, 2026, and the Ohio Secretary of State's office has released the list of candidates running in the state. The primary election will be held on May 5, 2026, before the general election on November 3, 2026. Notable candidates include former Ohio Department of Health director Dr. Amy Acton running as a Democrat for governor, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy running as a Republican for governor, and incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Jon Husted facing a challenge from former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown.

  • The candidate filing deadline was Wednesday, February 9, 2026.
  • The primary election will be held on May 5, 2026.
  • The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.

The players

Dr. Amy Acton

Former Ohio Department of Health director running as a Democratic candidate for governor, with David Pepper as her running mate.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate running as a Republican candidate for governor, with Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate.

Jon Husted

Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator running for re-election.

Sherrod Brown

Former Democratic U.S. Senator running to reclaim his seat.

Frank LaRose

Current Ohio Secretary of State running as a Republican candidate for auditor.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 Ohio elections will have major implications for the state's political landscape, as new leaders will be elected to fill all statewide executive offices.”

— Megan Henry, Author (columbusunderground.com)

“These races will shape Ohio's policies and priorities for years to come, particularly given the state's status as a key battleground in national elections.”

— Megan Henry, Author (columbusunderground.com)

What’s next

The primary election on May 5, 2026 will determine the final candidates for the November general election.

The takeaway

The 2026 Ohio elections will feature a crowded and competitive ballot, with all statewide executive offices up for grabs. These races will have significant implications for the state's political landscape and its role in national elections.