Two GOP Candidates Face Off in Primary for Ohio's 61st House District

Current state senator and private sector business owner vie for Republican nomination

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A conceptual illustration featuring a fragmented, abstract depiction of a state government building in bold, overlapping geometric shapes and colors, conveying a sense of political dynamism and change.The heated primary race for Ohio's 61st House District seat reflects the shifting political landscape and competing visions for the state's future.Columbus Today

Two Republican candidates, current state Rep. Andrew Brenner and title office owner Shawn Stevens, are vying for Ohio's 61st House District seat in the upcoming May 5 primary election. The winner will face an unopposed Democrat in the November general election.

Why it matters

The 61st district, which leans largely Republican, is an open seat as the current representative did not seek re-election. The outcome of this primary will determine the likely next representative for the district, making it an important race for the balance of power in the Ohio state legislature.

The details

State Sen. Andrew Brenner, 55, who represents Ohio's 19th Senate District and previously served in the Ohio House, is facing off against Shawn Stevens, 51, who owns a real estate title and closing company. Stevens received his MBA from Ohio State University and a bachelor's degree in economics from Miami University. The winner of the primary will face unopposed Democrat Vince McGrail in November.

  • The Ohio primary election is on May 5, 2026.
  • Early in-person voting begins on April 25 and runs through May 3.
  • Absentee ballots must be returned by mail or dropped off at the county board of elections by 7:30 PM on May 5.

The players

Andrew Brenner

A current state senator facing term limit, Brenner previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives. He holds a master's degree in education from Liberty University and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Ohio State University. Outside of public service, Brenner works as a realtor and independent insurance agent.

Shawn Stevens

Stevens owns a real estate title and closing company. He received his MBA from Ohio State University and a bachelor's degree in economics from Miami University. He has previously served on the Delaware County Board of Elections.

Vince McGrail

The unopposed Democratic candidate who will face the winner of the Republican primary in the November general election.

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What they’re saying

“Term Limits Matter. This is an open House seat, but my opponent, who has been term limited out of the House and now the Senate, is hoping to start the clock over again. We have so many challenges facing us today with property taxes, education, and employment that it's time for the 61st district to have a fresh set of eyes on these issues.”

— Shawn Stevens, Republican Candidate

“I bring a proven record of leadership, experience, and results to this office. As a current State Senator and former member of the Ohio House, I understand how to navigate the legislative process and deliver meaningful outcomes for the people I represent. I have led on key issues such as education, government accountability, and protecting taxpayers, always focusing on practical solutions rather than politics.”

— Andrew Brenner, Republican Candidate

What’s next

The winner of the May 5 Republican primary will face the unopposed Democratic candidate, Vince McGrail, in the November general election.

The takeaway

This primary race for Ohio's 61st House District seat represents a clash between an experienced state legislator and a political newcomer from the private sector. The outcome will determine the likely next representative for this heavily Republican district, making it an important contest for the balance of power in the state legislature.