Two Republicans Vie for Ohio Secretary of State Primary

Treasurer Robert Sprague and retired Air Force officer Marcel Strbich face off in May 5 primary

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:24pm

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A vibrant, fractured painting of an abstract voting booth in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of deep blue, red, and gold colors, conveying the dynamic and contested nature of the Ohio secretary of state race.The race for Ohio secretary of state is heating up as two Republicans vie for the party's nomination in a primary that could shape the state's electoral landscape.Columbus Today

Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague and retired Air Force intelligence officer Marcel Strbich are the two Republican candidates running for Ohio secretary of state in the May 5 primary election. The winner will face a Democratic nominee and a Libertarian candidate in the November general election.

Why it matters

The Ohio secretary of state oversees the state's elections and the 88 county boards that administer them. The office also sits on the board that draws state legislative and congressional district maps, making it a key position in the state's political landscape.

The details

Sprague is term-limited as state treasurer, while current Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose is running for state auditor. Sprague has been endorsed by the Ohio Republican Party, 18 county GOP organizations, and numerous state legislators, as well as former President Trump. Strbich has experience in intelligence and election policy, and has written three election-related bills.

  • The Ohio primary election is on May 5, 2026.
  • Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on election day.
  • Early voting is available at the Franklin County Board of Elections.

The players

Robert Sprague

Ohio Treasurer who is running for secretary of state. He has a background in engineering and business, and has previously served as a state representative and in local government.

Marcel Strbich

Retired Air Force intelligence officer who is also running for Ohio secretary of state. He has experience in election policy and has written three election-related bills.

Frank LaRose

Current Republican Secretary of State who is running for state auditor.

Allison Russo

Democratic state representative running in the primary for secretary of state.

Bryan Hambley

Cincinnati physician running in the Democratic primary for secretary of state.

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What they’re saying

“I am running to make our elections the most secure in Ohio history. While Ohio generally gets elections right, election security must evolve alongside the threats, and there are additional, commonsense reforms needed to ensure that only qualified electors – U.S. citizens – can participate in our elections.”

— Robert Sprague, Ohio Treasurer

“To ensure the consistent and equal application of the laws that permit all eligible Ohio voters and persons to have their vote count and business formed without fraud, error or manipulation.”

— Marcel Strbich, Retired Air Force Intelligence Officer

What’s next

The winner of the Republican primary on May 5 will face the Democratic nominee and a Libertarian candidate in the November 3 general election.

The takeaway

The race for Ohio secretary of state is a key contest in the 2026 election cycle, with the winner overseeing the state's elections and playing a role in redistricting. Both Republican candidates are emphasizing election security and integrity, though they differ in their approaches.