2026 Ohio gubernatorial election
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The 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor of Ohio. Incumbent Republican governor Mike DeWine is term-limited and ineligible to seek a third consecutive term. The winner of the election will be inaugurated on January 11, 2027.[1]
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Heather Hill, former president of the Morgan County School Board[2]
- Vivek Ramaswamy, founder of Roivant Sciences and presidential candidate in 2024[3]
Publicly expressed interest
- Jim Tressel, lieutenant governor of Ohio (2025–present)[4]
Withdrawn
- Matt Mayer, former director of the Buckeye Institute[5]
- Robert Sprague, Ohio state treasurer (2019–present) (endorsed Ramaswamy, running for secretary of state)[6]
- Dave Yost, Ohio attorney general (2019–present) and former Ohio state auditor (2011–2019)[7]
Declined
- Warren Davidson, U.S. representative from Ohio’s 8th congressional district (2016–present) (endorsed Ramaswamy)[8]
- Jon Husted, U.S. senator (2025–present), former lieutenant governor (2019–2025), and candidate for governor in 2018[9] (running for U.S. Senate)[10]
- Frank LaRose, Ohio secretary of state (2019–present) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024 (running for state auditor,[11] endorsed Ramaswamy)[12]
Endorsements
Vivek Ramaswamy
- Presidents of the United States
- Donald Trump, 45th & 47th President of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[13]
- U.S. senators
- Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee (2019–present)[14]
- Mike Lee, Utah (2011–present)[14]
- Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming (2021–present)[15]
- Bernie Moreno, Ohio (2025–present)[16]
- Rick Scott, Florida (2019–present)[14]
- U.S. representatives
- Warren Davidson, OH-08 (2016–present)[17]
- Jim Jordan, OH-04 (2007–present)[18]
- Greg Lopez, former CO-04 (2024–2025)[19]
- Michael Rulli, OH-06 (2024–present)[18]
- David Taylor, OH-02 (2025–present)[20]
- State legislators and officials
- 15 state senators[21] including Rob McColley, President of the Ohio senate (2025–present), and his leadership team[22][21]
- 39 state representatives[21] including Matt Huffman, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives (2025–present)[23][21]
- Frank LaRose, Ohio Secretary of State (2019–present)[12]
- Robert Sprague, Ohio State Treasurer (2019–present)[6]
- Local officials
- Party officials
- Alex Triantafilou, chair of the Ohio Republican Party (2023–present)[25]
- Individuals
- Steve Hilton, former Fox News host[19]
- Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA[21]
- Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX (Independent)[13]
- Jake Paul, professional boxer and YouTuber[26]
- Donald Trump Jr., businessman and son of president Donald Trump[21]
- Political parties
- Organizations
- Armenian National Committee of America[28]
- Center for Christian Virtue[29]
- Ohio Chamber of Commerce[30][31]
Dave Yost (withdrawn)
- Statewide officials
- Ken Blackwell, former Ohio secretary of state (1999–2007)[32]
- Local officials
- 30 county sheriffs[24]
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Heather Hill |
Vivek Ramaswamy |
Dave Yost |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yost withdraws his candidacy[7] | ||||||||
| Bowling Green State University/YouGov[33][34] | April 18–24, 2025 | 359 (RV) | – | 4% | 64% | 13% | 19%[b] | – |
| Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R)[35] | April 6–10, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 1% | 71% | 10% | 11%[c] | 8% |
| – | 75% | 19% | – | 6% | ||||
| – | 77% | – | 17%[d] | 6% | ||||
| Ramaswamy declares his candidacy | ||||||||
| Bowling Green State University/YouGov[36] | February 14–21, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 9% | 61% | 24% | – | 9% |
| National Public Affairs (R)[37][A] | February 2–5, 2025 | 602 (RV) | ± 4.0% | – | 46% | 18% | 2%[e] | 34% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[38][B] | January 28–30, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | – | 57% | 26% | 6%[f] | 10% |
| Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R)[39][C] | January 26–27, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | – | 52% | 18% | 3%[g] | 27% |
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Amy Acton, former director of the Ohio Department of Health (2019–2020)[40]
Publicly expressed interest
- Tim Ryan, former U.S. representative (2003–2023), nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022, and candidate for president in 2020 (decision expected in summer 2025)[41]
- Allison Russo, former minority leader of the Ohio House of Representatives (2022–2025) and nominee for Ohio's 15th congressional district in the 2021 special election[42]
Declined
- Sherrod Brown, former U.S. senator (2007–2025) (running for U.S. Senate)[43]
- Shontel Brown, U.S. representative from Ohio's 11th congressional district (2021–present)[44]
- Greg Landsman, U.S. representative from Ohio's 1st congressional district (2023–present) (running for re-election)[45][44]
- Emilia Sykes, U.S. representative from Ohio's 13th congressional district (2023–present)[45][44]
Polling
Hypothetical polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Amy Acton |
Sherrod Brown |
Tim Ryan |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherrod Brown announces his candidacy for the U.S Senate[46] | ||||||||
| Bowling Green State University/YouGov[33][34] | April 18–24, 2025 | 335 (RV) | – | 20% | 59% | 16% | 14%[h] | – |
| 52% | – | 38% | 10%[i] | – | ||||
| Bowling Green State University/YouGov[36] | February 14–21, 2025 | 335 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 20% | 59% | 17% | – | 4% |
| 46% | – | 45% | – | 9% | ||||
Independents
Declared
Endorsements
Timothy Grady
- Political Parties
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[49] | Solid R | April 17, 2025 |
| The Cook Political Report[50] | Likely R | May 12, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[51] | Likely R | July 24, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[52] | Tilt R | August 13, 2025 |
Polling
Vivek Ramaswamy vs. Amy Acton
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Vivek Ramaswamy (R) |
Amy Acton (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Research (D)[53][D] | July 24–28, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 47% | 46% | – | 7% |
| Bowling Green State University/YouGov[33][34] | April 18–24, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.1% | 50% | 45% | 5%[j] | – |
| Ramaswamy declares his candidacy | |||||||
| Public Policy Polling (D)[54][E] | February 19–20, 2025 | 642 (RV) | ± 3.9% | 44% | 45% | – | 11% |
Hypothetical polling
Vivek Ramaswamy vs. Tim Ryan
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Vivek Ramaswamy (R) |
Tim Ryan (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University/YouGov[33][34] | April 18–24, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.1% | 51% | 44% | 5%[j] | – |
| Public Policy Polling (D)[54][E] | February 19–20, 2025 | 642 (RV) | ± 3.9% | 48% | 42% | – | 10% |
Dave Yost vs. Amy Acton
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Dave Yost (R) |
Amy Acton (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University/YouGov[33][34] | April 18–24, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.1% | 46% | 45% | 9%[k] | – |
Dave Yost vs. Tim Ryan
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Dave Yost (R) |
Tim Ryan (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University/YouGov[33][34] | April 18–24, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.1% | 46% | 44% | 10%[i] | – |
Jim Tressel vs. Amy Acton
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jim Tressel (R) |
Amy Acton (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University/YouGov[33][34] | April 18–24, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.1% | 46% | 44% | 10%[i] | – |
Jim Tressel vs. Tim Ryan
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jim Tressel (R) |
Tim Ryan (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University/YouGov[33][34] | April 18–24, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.1% | 46% | 43% | 11%[l] | – |
See also
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g h Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - ^ Jim Tressel with 14%
- ^ Jim Tressel with 11%
- ^ Jim Tressel with 17%
- ^ Robert Sprague and Jeremiah Workman with 1%
- ^ Robert Sprague with 6%
- ^ Robert Sprague with 2%; Jeremiah Workman with 1%
- ^ "Neither" with 14%
- ^ a b c "Someone else" with 10%
- ^ a b "Someone else" with 5%
- ^ "Someone else" with 9%
- ^ "Someone else" with 11%
Partisan clients
- ^ Poll sponsored by Dave Yost
- ^ Poll sponsored by Club for Growth
- ^ Poll sponsored by Vivek Ramaswamy
- ^ Poll sponsored by Acton's campaign
- ^ a b Poll sponsored by 314 Action, an organization dedicated to electing Democratic scientists to public office.
External links
Official campaign websites
- Amy Acton (D) for governor
- Timothy Grady (I) for governor
- Heather Hill (R) for governor
- Vivek Ramaswamy (R) for governor
References
- ^ Muhammad, Mariyam. "Can Mike DeWine run for Ohio governor in 2026? What to know about term limits". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ "Hill begins 2026 bid for Ohio Governor". Morgan County Herald. November 13, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Smyth, Julie Carr (February 24, 2025). "Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy joins the Ohio governor's race". The Associated Press. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ^ Gomez, Henry (May 8, 2025). "Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel confirms he's considering a run for governor". NBC News. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ Pelzer, Jeremy (September 25, 2023). "Ohio Republican bows out of 2026 governor's race". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
- ^ a b Balmert, Jessie; BeMiller, Haley (February 5, 2025). "Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague to run for secretary of state, backs Ramaswamy for governor". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ a b Jordan, Felicia (May 16, 2025). "'I am simply not that important' | AG Dave Yost suspends his campaign to be Ohio's governor". WCPO-TV. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (March 17, 2025). "Morning Digest, sponsored by Liftoff Campaigns: The Democratic plan to win back one of Pennsylvania's swingiest counties". The Downballot. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
Republican Rep. Warren Davidson has endorsed businessman Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign for Ohio's open governorship, ending what little talk there'd been that the congressman might seek the post.
- ^ Krieg, Daniel Strauss, Gregory (January 17, 2025). "DeWine expected to name state Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill Senate seat vacated by Vance". CNN. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
Pressed on his previous interest in being governor, and the decision to accept the appointment to the US Senate, Husted said he 'switched my mind probably 100 times.'
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Smyth, Julie Carr (April 9, 2025). "Trump favorite Jon Husted launches 2026 U.S. Senate campaign in Ohio". Associated Press. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ Smyth, Julie Carr (February 6, 2025). "Ohio elections chief Frank LaRose will run for state auditor in 2026". Associated Press. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ a b Trau, Morgan (February 12, 2025). "From gridiron to Statehouse: Could Jim Tressel shake up the Buckeye State's 2026 gubernatorial election". WEWS-TV. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
- ^ a b Ashleigh, Fields (February 25, 2025). "Trump, Musk endorse Ramaswamy in Ohio governor's race". The Hill. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ^ a b c Wright, David (February 24, 2025). "Vivek Ramaswamy announces 2026 bid for Ohio governor". CNN. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ Sinha, Anand (April 23, 2025). "Senator Lummis backs Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio governor". TheStreet. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ^ a b Kasler, Karen (March 24, 2025). "Moreno, state senators add to list of endorsements for Ramaswamy over Yost for Ohio governor". WYSO. Retrieved March 24, 2025.
- ^ Windsor, Jack (March 14, 2025). "Vivek Ramaswamy scores another endorsement in bid for Ohio governor". The Ohio Press Network. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- ^ a b Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (April 9, 2025). "Morning Digest: Democrats land first major candidate for top 2026 Senate race". The Downballot. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ a b Wartman, Scott; Balmert, Jessie (February 24, 2025). "Vivek Ramaswamy running for Ohio governor. Wants to end income, property taxes". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ Moorwood, Victoria (April 7, 2025). "Yost or Ramaswamy for governor? Where Cincinnati-area Republicans stand". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g Balmert, Jessie (April 25, 2025). "Trump is backing Ramaswamy for Ohio governor. Who has endorsed in race to replace DeWine?". Columbus Dispatch. USA Today. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ McColley, Rob (March 14, 2025). "To the editor: Ohio needs bold leadership; that's why I'm for Ramaswamy". Toledo Blade. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- ^ Huffman, Matt (July 15, 2025). "Matt Huffman: Ramaswamy has the right approaches". Lima News. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ a b Pelzer, Jeremy (March 3, 2025). "Ramaswamy, Yost split Ohio sheriff endorsements in 2026 Republican governor's race". Cleveland.com. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ Kreemer, Avery (May 9, 2025). "Vivek Ramaswamy bid for governor boosted by early Ohio GOP endorsement". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ Fernandes, Jocelyn (February 25, 2025). "Vivek Ramaswamy's Ohio Governor bid: Elon Musk wishes 'good luck, full endorsement', Donald Trump says 'SPECIAL'". mint. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ Donaldson, Sarah (May 9, 2025). "Ramaswamy secures Ohio GOP's early endorsement for governor in contested 2026 race". WVXU. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ "Armenian National Committee of America Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor". May 7, 2025. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
- ^ Balmert, Jessie (March 6, 2025). "Ohio Christian leader endorses Hindu Vivek Ramaswamy over AG Dave Yost for governor". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
- ^ Ehrmantraut, Amanda. "Ohio Chamber of Commerce PAC Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy in the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election" (PDF). Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ @jbalmert (July 14, 2025). "The Ohio Chamber of Commerce PAC endorses @VivekGRamaswamy in the 2026 GOP governor's primary. #ohgov "This is OCCPAC's earliest recorded candidate endorsement."" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Blackwell endorses Yost in Ohio governor's race". The Crescent-News. February 5, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Alexander, Robert (April 29, 2025). "Survey of 800 Ohio Registered voters 18+, April 2025 Tabs". Bowling Green State University. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Alexander, Robert (April 29, 2025). "Survey of 800 Ohio Registered voters 18+, April 2025 Toplines Survey of 800 Ohio Registered voters 18+, April 2025 Toplines". Bowling Green State University. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ Fabrizio, Tony; Lee, David; Tunis, Travis (April 14, 2025). "Trump Endorsement Propels Ramaswamy Into Huge Lead in Republican Primary" (PDF). Fabrizio, Lee & Associates. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
- ^ a b Fortinsky, Sarah (March 4, 2025). "Ohio governor's race poll: Ramaswamy a favorite, Sherrod Brown has strong backing". The Hill. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ^ Clark, Justin (February 18, 2025). "National Public Affairs Polling - 2026 Ohio Governor Republican Primary Research" (PDF). National Public Affairs. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
- ^ Allen, Bryon (February 3, 2025). "Recent WPA Intelligence Poll Shows Vivek Ramasway With a Commanding Lead in the Republican primary for Ohio Governor" (PDF). Club for Growth. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ Fabrizio, Tony (January 28, 2025). "Ramasway is the overwhelming frontrunner in GOP Race for Ohio governor". DocumentCloud. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ Buchanan, Tyler (January 7, 2025). "Acton announces run for Ohio governor". Axios. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
- ^ Kasler, Karen (May 15, 2025). "Democrat Tim Ryan says he'll decide this summer if he'll run for Ohio governor next year". WYSO. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Henry, Megan (June 12, 2025). "Ohio House Dem Leader Russo on plans, 'There will be more time for this discussion at a later point'". Ohio Capital Journal. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ Pelzer, Jeremy (August 12, 2025). "Sherrod Brown to run for U.S. Senate in 2026, challenging Jon Husted". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ a b c Solender, Andrew (April 10, 2025). "House leaders face growing horde of members grasping for higher office". Axios. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ a b Gonzales, Nathan (February 12, 2025). "House members running for governor could complicate fight for majority". Roll Call. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
- ^ Otterbein, Holly. "Former Sen. Sherrod Brown launches Ohio Senate campaign". Politico. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
- ^ Carr Smyth, Julie (June 25, 2025). "Ohio graduate student says he'll make another bid for governor in 2026". Associated Press. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- ^ USPP Regular Meeting 8/10/2025. United States Pirate Party. August 10, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025 – via Youtube.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ^ "Ohio Statewide Poll Findings" (PDF). Impact Research. August 5, 2025. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ a b Williams, Jim (February 24, 2025). "Acton Leads Ramaswamy in Gubernatorial Matchup" (PDF). 314 Action. Retrieved February 25, 2025.