Two Republicans Vie for Ohio's 19th Senate District GOP Primary

Beth Lear and Ryan Rivers face off to determine who will challenge Democrat Janet Wagner in the general election.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:03pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting with overlapping, fractured geometric shapes and waves of color in shades of blue, red, and gold, conceptually representing the fast-paced and competitive nature of a political campaign.The heated GOP primary for Ohio's 19th Senate District seat is heating up, with two candidates vying for the Republican nomination.Columbus Today

The 19th Ohio Senate District, currently held by term-limited Republican Andrew Brenner, will see a GOP primary battle between Beth Lear and Ryan Rivers. The winner will face Democrat Janet Wagner in the November general election. The district covers Coshocton, Delaware, Holmes, and Knox counties.

Why it matters

This race will determine the Republican nominee for a key state Senate seat in a district that has historically leaned conservative. The outcome could impact the balance of power in the Ohio legislature, as well as the policy priorities that are pursued in the next session.

The details

Lear, a current state representative, and Rivers, a local business owner and former township trustee, are the two GOP candidates vying for the nomination. They differ on issues like property tax relief, the role of government in addressing the housing shortage, and the regulation of data centers. Voters will head to the polls on May 5th to decide which Republican will advance to the general election.

  • The Ohio primary election is scheduled for 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

Beth Lear

A current state representative serving her second term in the Ohio House. Lear graduated from Olentangy High School and Ohio State University, and has private sector experience with groups like the Buckeye Institute and ABC of Ohio.

Ryan Rivers

A local business owner with experience in real estate, economic development, and public-private partnerships. Rivers is a graduate of Ohio University and previously served as an Orange Township Trustee and president of the Delaware County Township Association.

Janet Wagner

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

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What they’re saying

“To alleviate the local tax burden, the state needs to fully fund our public schools and only our public schools.”

— Beth Lear, State Representative

“Ohio needs to provide meaningful property tax relief to residents while ensuring adequate funding for our schools and safety services.”

— Ryan Rivers, Business Owner

What’s next

The winner of the May 5th Republican primary will advance to the November general election to face Democrat Janet Wagner.

The takeaway

This race will be a key battleground in the fight for control of the Ohio state Senate, with the Republican nominee poised to have a strong advantage in the conservative-leaning 19th District.