Ohio Statewide Candidates Conditionally Approved for Ballot

Secretary of State announces list of candidates who met signature requirements for May primary

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has released the list of partisan statewide candidates who met the minimum signature requirement to qualify for the May 5 primary election. The candidates have been conditionally approved to appear on the ballot, pending final verification of their petition signatures.

Why it matters

The announcement of the approved candidates is an important milestone in Ohio's electoral process, as it sets the stage for the upcoming primary election and determines who will advance to the general election in November. The certification of candidates is a key part of ensuring the integrity and fairness of Ohio's elections.

The details

According to the Secretary of State's office, the candidates who have been conditionally approved include those running for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, auditor, secretary of state, and treasurer. The candidates must still undergo final signature verification before their names can be officially placed on the primary ballot.

  • The list of approved candidates was released on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The primary election in Ohio is scheduled for May 5, 2026.

The players

Frank LaRose

Ohio Secretary of State, responsible for overseeing the state's elections and certifying candidates for the ballot.

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What’s next

The candidates who have been conditionally approved must now wait for the final verification of their petition signatures before their names can be officially placed on the primary ballot. This process is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The announcement of the conditionally approved statewide candidates in Ohio is an important step in the electoral process, ensuring that voters will have a range of choices in the upcoming primary election. The verification of signatures is a critical part of maintaining the integrity of Ohio's elections.