Toledo Native Tom Pruss Running for Ohio Secretary of State

Pruss, a small business owner, is running as a Libertarian focused on ballot access, election transparency, and business reform.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Tom Pruss, a Toledo native and small business owner, is running for Ohio Secretary of State in the May primary election. Pruss is running as a Libertarian, and his campaign will focus on ballot access, election transparency, and business reform.

Why it matters

The Ohio Secretary of State oversees elections and business filings across the state, making this a key race that could impact voting access and the state's business environment.

The details

According to Pruss' website, his campaign will focus on restoring neutrality, integrity, and equal access to the ballot, as well as supporting free and open markets. Pruss has worked in the printing industry since 1985 and has owned and operated NorthCoast Print Mail Marketing since 2017. He also serves as vice president of the Northwest Ohio Polish Cultural Center and previously served as president of the Polish American Community of Toledo (PACT). Pruss has previously run for Ohio's 9th Congressional District, the Toledo School Board, and the Lucas County Clerk of Courts.

  • Pruss is running in the May 2026 primary election for Ohio Secretary of State.

The players

Tom Pruss

A Toledo native and small business owner who is running for Ohio Secretary of State as a Libertarian candidate.

Frank LaRose

The current Ohio Secretary of State, whose office released the filings for Pruss' candidacy.

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What they’re saying

“For too long, the Secretary of State's office has been used as a gatekeeper for the two major parties. It's time to restore neutrality, integrity, and equal access to the ballot.”

— Tom Pruss, Candidate for Ohio Secretary of State (Pruss' campaign website)

What’s next

Pruss will face off against the winner of the Republican primary in the November 2026 general election for Ohio Secretary of State.

The takeaway

Pruss' Libertarian candidacy for Ohio Secretary of State could shake up the traditional two-party dynamic, with a focus on issues like ballot access, election transparency, and business reform.