Two Democrats Vie for Ohio Attorney General in May Primary

Kulewicz and Forhan face off in Democratic primary to take on Republican nominee in 2026 general election

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of an Ohio state government building, its facade illuminated by warm, angled sunlight that casts deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the role of the attorney general's office.The race for Ohio Attorney General will test the public's appetite for an independent-minded legal professional versus a traditional political figure.Columbus Today

Ohio primary voters will choose between two Democratic candidates for state attorney general in the May 2026 primary election. Upper Arlington City Council member and attorney John J. Kulewicz has the endorsement of the Ohio Democratic Party and major labor unions, while former state representative Elliot Forhan is also seeking the office. The winner will face Ohio Auditor Keith Faber, the Republican nominee, in the 2026 general election.

Why it matters

The Ohio attorney general's office plays a critical role in upholding the law, protecting public interests, and providing independent oversight of other branches of state government. The primary election will determine which Democrat will have the opportunity to take on the Republican nominee in the general election and potentially shape the direction of the office for the next four years.

The details

Kulewicz, 72, has built a legal career challenging conventional wisdom and taking on high-stakes cases, including at the U.S. Supreme Court. He has served on the Upper Arlington City Council since 2020. Forhan, a former Ohio state representative, is also an attorney but did not respond to the Dispatch's voter guide questionnaire.

  • The Ohio Democratic primary election will be held in May 2026.
  • The winner of the Democratic primary will face the Republican nominee, Ohio Auditor Keith Faber, in the 2026 general election.

The players

John J. Kulewicz

Upper Arlington City Council member and attorney who has the endorsement of the Ohio Democratic Party and major labor unions.

Elliot Forhan

Former Ohio state representative and attorney who is also seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

Keith Faber

Ohio Auditor who is the Republican nominee for attorney general and has been endorsed by the Ohio Republican Party.

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What they’re saying

“In 2025, I traveled to all 88 counties as I considered a run for AG. I found the same thing everywhere: Ohioans are working hard, but no one listens to them anymore. Politicians in Columbus are busy playing politics. They've forgotten who pays their salary. You deserve an independent-minded Attorney General who will go to work for you every day and do the right thing.”

— John J. Kulewicz, Candidate for Ohio Attorney General

What’s next

The winner of the Democratic primary will face the Republican nominee, Ohio Auditor Keith Faber, in the 2026 general election for Ohio Attorney General.

The takeaway

The 2026 Ohio Attorney General race will be a critical contest, with the winner potentially shaping the direction of the office for the next four years. Voters will have a choice between two distinct Democratic visions for the role, before the ultimate general election matchup against the Republican nominee.