Democrats Face Off in Ohio Attorney General Primary

Elliot Forhan and John Kulewicz compete to be the Democratic nominee for Ohio's top law enforcement role.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:42am

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting a somber mood, conceptually representing the high-stakes political battle for the Ohio attorney general position.The race for Ohio's top law enforcement role has become a clash of ideologies, as the Democratic candidates offer starkly different visions for the attorney general's office.Upper Arlington Today

For the first time in eight years, Ohio voters will select a new attorney general in the upcoming primary election. On the Democratic side, former state representative Elliot Forhan and retired Vorys partner John Kulewicz are vying to be the party's nominee. The winner will face the Republican nominee, likely current state auditor Keith Faber, in the general election.

Why it matters

The Ohio attorney general is a powerful position that oversees the state's top law enforcement agency, represents state agencies and pension funds, and can join multi-state lawsuits on behalf of Ohio. The race will determine the direction of the office for the next four years, with the candidates offering starkly different visions.

The details

Kulewicz, an experienced attorney with over 40 years at Vorys law firm, is positioning himself as the more seasoned and pragmatic candidate. He has pledged to focus on issues like fighting monopolies, protecting consumers from utility companies, and investigating fraud and abuse. Forhan, a former one-term state representative, is running on a more progressive platform, vowing to 'tax the rich' and prosecute former President Trump. The two candidates have clashed over the incumbent attorney general's record, with Forhan criticizing Yost's participation in conservative-backed lawsuits.

  • Early voting for the May 5 primary starts on April 7, 2026.
  • The winner of the Democratic primary will face the Republican nominee in the November 2026 general election.

The players

John Kulewicz

A retired partner at Vorys law firm with over 40 years of experience, Kulewicz is running as the more seasoned and pragmatic Democratic candidate for Ohio attorney general.

Elliot Forhan

A former one-term state representative, Forhan is running on a progressive platform that includes 'taxing the rich' and prosecuting former President Trump.

Keith Faber

The expected Republican nominee for Ohio attorney general, Faber has served as the state's auditor since 2019.

Dave Yost

The current Ohio attorney general, who is term-limited and cannot run for reelection.

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What they’re saying

“I have far more experience as a lawyer in both the number of years and breadth of experience.”

— John Kulewicz, Candidate for Ohio Attorney General

“I'm running to tax the rich, stand up to bullies and prosecute Donald Trump to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Elliot Forhan, Candidate for Ohio Attorney General

What’s next

The winner of the May 5 Democratic primary will face the Republican nominee in the November 2026 general election for Ohio attorney general.

The takeaway

The race for Ohio attorney general has become a battleground between the Democratic Party's moderate and progressive wings, with the candidates offering vastly different visions for the office and its role in the state.