Coming off the heels of winning local races, the Ohio Democratic Party is feeling optimistic about the 2026 election.
Democratic mayors in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Toledo all won reelection on Nov. 4.
“Our mayors are a model of what Democratic leadership can look like and represent the future of our party,” Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde said during a virtual press call Wednesday.
Ohio voters will cast their ballot for a new governor in 2026, along with all of Ohio’s other statewide executive offices, as all current officeholders are term-limited. That includes Ohio secretary of state, attorney general, auditor, and treasurer.
“This cycle brings us the most opportunities for Ohio Democrats in 20 years, and we’re feeling confident that we will win these elections and take our state back,” Clyde said.
“Republicans in Columbus have raised costs on Ohioans and made life unaffordable for families across the state, while only serving billionaires and special interests. This election, voters will be ready for a change, while Republicans offer more of the same.”
The last time a Democratic candidate won any of Ohio statewide executive offices was back in 2006 when Ted Strickland was elected governor, Marc Dann was elected attorney general, Richard Cordray was elected treasurer, and Jennifer Bruner was elected secretary of state.
“Republicans have controlled state government for nearly two decades, and all we have to show for it is rising costs and falling quality of life,” Clyde said.
Former Director of the Ohio Department of Health Dr. Amy Acton is running as a Democratic candidate for governor against Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
The Ohio Republican Party officially endorsed Ramaswamy in May.
Political newcomer Heather Hill is also running for governor as an independent after leaving the Republican party.
Former Democratic Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan has hinted at running for governor in 2026, but has yet to make a decision.
Former Democratic state Rep. Elliot Forhan and John Kulewicz, a retired attorney and Upper Arlington City Council member, are running in the Democratic primary for Ohio attorney general. Current Republican Ohio Auditor Keith Faber is also running for attorney general.
Democratic Ohio House state Rep. Allison Russo and Bryan Hambley, a cancer doctor with University of Cincinnati Health, are running in the Democratic primary for secretary of state.
Current Republican Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague and retired Air Force intel officer Marcell Strbich are running in the Republican primary for secretary of state.
Current Republican Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is running for auditor in 2026.
A Republican primary for the nomination for Ohio treasurer includes former state Sen. Niraj Antani, current state Sen. Kristina Roegner, former state Rep. Jay Edwards, and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren.
No Democrats have yet announced their candidacy in 2026 for Ohio auditor or treasurer, but Clyde said she expects to hear announcements about those races soon.
Ohio Supreme Court races will be on the 2026 ballot.
Democratic Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner is being challenged by five Republicans competing in a primary — Rocky River Municipal Judge Joseph Burke, former Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Colleen O’Donnell, Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Andrew King, Second District Court of Appeals Judge Ron Lewis, and State Appellate Judge Jill Flagg Lanzinger.
Brunner is the only Democratic judge on the 6-1 Ohio Supreme Court.
Republican Ohio Supreme Court Justice Dan Hawkins is up for reelection next year, but no candidates have announced they are running for his seat.
The filing deadline to run for office is Feb. 4, 2026, and Ohio’s primary election is May 5, 2026.
Also in 2026, former Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown will challenge appointed Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, who replaced JD Vance in the chamber. Husted is seeking his first election to the position.
Originally published by the Ohio Capital Journal. Republished here with permission.