2026 Ohio gubernatorial election
The 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election is shaping up to be a truly compelling political event, as incumbent Governor Mike DeWine is term-limited, opening the door for a new leader. This contest in a crucial swing state will not only determine Ohio's future direction but also offer significant insights into the national political landscape. With a wide-open field, both major parties are seeing high-profile figures emerge, promising a fascinating race to the state's highest office. The 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election is an open seat contest, as current Republican Governor Mike DeWine cannot seek re-election due to term limits. The Republican primary is already drawing national attention, with former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy emerging as an early frontrunner in polling. Both Democratic and Republican primaries feature a mix of established politicians and fresh faces, signaling a potentially competitive general election for Ohio's governorship.
AI Summary
The 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election is shaping up to be a truly compelling political event, as incumbent Governor Mike DeWine is term-limited, opening the door for a new leader. This contest in a crucial swing state will not only determine Ohio's future direction but also offer significant insights into the national political landscape. With a wide-open field, both major parties are seeing high-profile figures emerge, promising a fascinating race to the state's highest office.
- The 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election is an open seat contest, as current Republican Governor Mike DeWine cannot seek re-election due to term limits.
- The Republican primary is already drawing national attention, with former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy emerging as an early frontrunner in polling.
- Both Democratic and Republican primaries feature a mix of established politicians and fresh faces, signaling a potentially competitive general election for Ohio's governorship.
The Race for Ohio's Statehouse
Ohio is gearing up for a significant political transition, with its next gubernatorial election scheduled for November 3, 2026. This election is particularly notable because current Republican Governor Mike DeWine, after two terms, is ineligible to run again. This creates a rare open seat contest, inviting a scramble among hopefuls from both major parties.
The winner of this election will step into office on January 11, 2027, inheriting the leadership of one of America's most influential Midwestern states. Ohio's political leanings often serve as a bellwether for national trends, making this race one to watch closely for insights into the broader American electorate.
The Republican Field: A High-Profile Contest
On the Republican side, the primary is already attracting considerable attention. Among the declared candidates is Heather Hill, a former president of the Morgan County School Board, bringing local governance experience to the table.
However, the most prominent Republican entrant to date is Vivek Ramaswamy. The former CEO of Roivant Sciences and a notable candidate in the 2024 presidential race, Ramaswamy's early declaration has immediately positioned him as a formidable contender, leveraging his national profile.
Other influential Republicans have publicly expressed interest, including Jim Tressel, who is set to become Ohio's Lieutenant Governor in 2025. This indicates a potential field with both established political figures and rising stars looking to capture the nomination.
Several prominent Republicans who initially considered a run have since withdrawn or declined. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, for instance, withdrew his candidacy, and State Treasurer Robert Sprague has shifted his focus to the Secretary of State race, both endorsing Ramaswamy. This consolidation suggests an early alignment of support behind the former presidential candidate.
Republican Primary Polling
Early polling for the Republican primary shows a clear frontrunner, with Vivek Ramaswamy holding a significant lead over other potential candidates. This dominance is evident across various surveys conducted early in the election cycle, highlighting his strong name recognition and established base of support.
Poll source Date(s) administered Sample size Margin of error Heather Hill Vivek Ramaswamy Dave Yost Other Undecided Bowling Green State University/YouGov April 18–24, 2025 359 (RV) – 4% 64% 13% 19% – Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R) April 6–10, 2025 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 1% 71% 10% 11% 8% Bowling Green State University/YouGov February 14–21, 2025 800 (RV) ± 4.0% 9% 61% 24% – 9% National Public Affairs (R) February 2–5, 2025 602 (RV) ± 4.0% – 46% 18% 2% 34% WPA Intelligence (R) January 28–30, 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% – 57% 26% 6% 10% Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R) January 26–27, 2025 600 (LV) ± 4.0% – 52% 18% 3% 27%
The Democratic Contenders: Building Momentum
The Democratic primary is also beginning to take shape, with candidates vying to challenge the formidable Republican presence in Ohio. Dr. Amy Acton, former director of the Ohio Department of Health, has declared her candidacy, bringing a background in public health to the political arena.
Several prominent Democrats have publicly expressed interest in the gubernatorial race. This includes former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, a long-serving figure in Ohio politics, and Tim Ryan, a former U.S. Representative and presidential candidate. Both bring significant experience and name recognition to the potential field.
While many Democrats are exploring bids, others have opted out. U.S. Representatives Shontel Brown, Greg Landsman, and Emilia Sykes have all declined to run, choosing instead to focus on their current roles or re-election campaigns. This allows other candidates more room to maneuver in the primary.
Independent Voices
Beyond the two major parties, an independent candidate has also emerged. Timothy Grady, a graduate student who previously ran as a write-in candidate in 2022, has declared his intention to run. Independent candidates often play a unique role in Ohio elections, offering an alternative perspective to voters.
General Election Showdown: Early Projections
As the primaries unfold, political prognosticators are already weighing in on the general election outlook. Early assessments from various sources generally lean towards a Republican advantage in Ohio, classifying the race as 'Likely R' or even 'Solid R' in some analyses.
General Election Polling
Early head-to-head polling, particularly pitting Vivek Ramaswamy against Amy Acton, indicates a potentially tight race, despite the state's Republican lean. These initial numbers suggest that while Republicans might have an edge, the Democratic candidate could still make it a highly competitive contest.
Poll source Date(s) administered Sample size Margin of error Vivek Ramaswamy (R) Amy Acton (D) Other Undecided Bowling Green State University/YouGov April 18–24, 2025 800 (RV) ± 4.1% 50% 45% 5% – Public Policy Polling (D) February 19–20, 2025 642 (RV) ± 3.9% 44% 45% – 11%
Article
2026 Ohio gubernatorial election
The 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor of Ohio. The primary elections will take place on May 5, 2026. 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.
Democrats have not won a gubernatorial election in Ohio since Ted Strickland was elected governor in (/wiki/2006Ohiogubernatorialelection), and have not won a statewide race since Jennifer Brunner defeated incumbent Supreme Court of Ohio associate justice Judith French in (/wiki/2020Ohioelections#SupremeCourt).
Republican primary
Declared
• Heather Hill, business owner, and former president of the Morgan County School Board • Running mate: Stuart Moats, business owner and reality TV star • Casey Putsch, automotive entrepreneur • Running mate: Kim Georgeton, Warren County central committee member • Renea Turner • Running mate: Jalen Turner • Vivek Ramaswamy, founder of Roivant Sciences and candidate for president in (/wiki/2024UnitedStatespresidentialelection) • Running mate: Rob McColley, president of the Ohio Senate (2025–present) from the 1st district (2017–present)
Withdrawn
• Matt Mayer, former director of the Buckeye Institute • Robert Sprague, Ohio state treasurer (2019–present) (endorsed Ramaswamy, running for secretary of state) • Dave Yost, Ohio attorney general (2019–present) and former Ohio state auditor (2011–2019)
Declined
• Warren Davidson, U.S. representative from Ohio's 8th congressional district (2016–present) (endorsed Ramaswamy) • Jon Husted, U.S. senator (2025–present), former lieutenant governor (2019–2025), and candidate for governor in (/wiki/2018Ohiogubernatorialelection) (endorsed Ramaswamy, running for U.S. Senate) • Frank LaRose, Ohio secretary of state (2019–present) and candidate for U.S. Senate in (/wiki/2024UnitedStatesSenateelectioninOhio) (endorsed Ramaswamy, running for state auditor) • Jim Tressel, lieutenant governor of Ohio (2025–present)
Polling
<table><thead><tr><th>Poll source</th><th>Date(s) administered</th><th>Sample size</th><th>Margin of error</th><th>Heather Hill</th><th>Vivek Ramaswamy</th><th>Dave Yost</th><th>Other</th><th>Undecided</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bowling Green State University/YouGov</td><td>October 2–14, 2025</td><td>287 (RV)</td><td>–</td><td>18%</td><td>76%</td><td>–</td><td>6%</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>May 16, 2025</td><td>Yost withdraws his candidacy</td></tr><tr><td>Bowling Green State University/YouGov</td><td>April 18–24, 2025</td><td>359 (RV)</td><td>–</td><td>4%</td><td>64%</td><td>13%</td><td>19%</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td>Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R)</td><td>April 6–10, 2025</td><td>500 (LV)</td><td>± 4.4%</td><td>1%</td><td>71%</td><td>10%</td><td>11%</td><td>8%</td></tr><tr><td>–</td><td>75%</td><td>19%</td><td>–</td><td>6%</td></tr><tr><td>–</td><td>77%</td><td>–</td><td>17%</td><td>6%</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>February 25, 2025</td><td>Ramaswamy declares his candidacy</td></tr><tr><td>Bowling Green State University/YouGov</td><td>February 14–21, 2025</td><td>800 (RV)</td><td>± 4.0%</td><td>9%</td><td>61%</td><td>24%</td><td>–</td><td>9%</td></tr><tr><td>National Public Affairs (R)</td><td>February 2–5, 2025</td><td>602 (RV)</td><td>± 4.0%</td><td>–</td><td>46%</td><td>18%</td><td>2%</td><td>34%</td></tr><tr><td>WPA Intelligence (R)</td><td>January 28–30, 2025</td><td>600 (LV)</td><td>± 4.0%</td><td>–</td><td>57%</td><td>26%</td><td>6%</td><td>10%</td></tr><tr><td>Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R)</td><td>January 26–27, 2025</td><td>600 (LV)</td><td>± 4.0%</td><td>–</td><td>52%</td><td>18%</td><td>3%</td><td>27%</td></tr></tbody></table>
Democratic primary
Presumptive nominee
• Amy Acton, former director of the Ohio Department of Health (2019–2020) • Running mate: David Pepper, former chair of Ohio Democratic Party (2015–2020), former member of Hamilton County Commission (2007–2011), nominee for state auditor in (/wiki/2010OhioStateAuditorelection), and nominee for attorney general in (/wiki/2014OhioAttorneyGeneralelection)
Declined
• Sherrod Brown, former U.S. senator (2007–2025) (running for U.S. Senate, endorsed Acton) • Shontel Brown, U.S. representative from Ohio's 11th congressional district (2021–present) • Greg Landsman, U.S. representative from Ohio's 1st congressional district (2023–present) (running for re-election) • 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 (running for Secretary of State) • Tim Ryan, former U.S. representative (2003–2023), nominee for U.S. Senate in (/wiki/2022UnitedStatesSenateelectioninOhio), and candidate for president in (/wiki/2020UnitedStatespresidentialelection) • Emilia Sykes, U.S. representative from Ohio's 13th congressional district (2023–present) (running for re-election)
Libertarian primary
Declared
• Don Kissick, television station operator, nominee for Ohio's 5th congressional district in (/wiki/2018UnitedStatesHouseofRepresentativeselectionsinOhio#District5), and nominee for U.S. Senate in (/wiki/2024UnitedStatesSenateelectioninOhio) • Running mate: James Mills
General election
Predictions
<table><thead><tr><th>Source</th><th>Ranking</th><th>As of</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Race to the WH</td><td>Tossup</td><td>February 2, 2026</td></tr><tr><td>Sabato's Crystal Ball</td><td>Lean R</td><td>March 19, 2026</td></tr><tr><td>Inside Elections</td><td>Likely R</td><td>March 26, 2026</td></tr><tr><td>The Cook Political Report</td><td>Lean R</td><td>March 19, 2026</td></tr></tbody></table>
Polling
<table><thead><tr><th>Source of poll aggregation</th><th>Dates administered</th><th>Dates updated</th><th>Vivek Ramaswamy (R)</th><th>Amy Acton (D)</th><th>Other/Undecided</th><th>Margin</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Race to the WH</td><td>February 19, 2025 – March 14, 2026</td><td>March 14, 2026</td><td>44.5%</td><td>47.6%</td><td>7.9%</td><td>Acton +3.1%</td></tr><tr><td>RealClearPolitics</td><td>October 2, 2025 – March 14, 2026</td><td>March 14, 2026</td><td>46.7%</td><td>46.3%</td><td>7.0%</td><td>Ramaswamy +0.4%</td></tr><tr><td>Average</td><td>45.4%</td><td>47.2%</td><td>7.4%</td><td>Acton +1.8%</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><thead><tr><th>Poll source</th><th>Date(s) administered</th><th>Sample size</th><th>Margin of error</th><th>Vivek Ramaswamy (R)</th><th>Amy Acton (D)</th><th>Other</th><th>Undecided</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Quantus Insights (R)</td><td>March 13–14, 2026</td><td>809 (LV)</td><td>± 3.8%</td><td>45%</td><td>46%</td><td>3%</td><td>6%</td></tr><tr><td>EMC Research (D)</td><td>February 10–22, 2026</td><td>1,343 (LV)</td><td>± 2.7%</td><td>43%</td><td>53%</td><td>–</td><td>4%</td></tr><tr><td>Emerson College</td><td>December 6–8, 2025</td><td>850 (RV)</td><td>± 3.3%</td><td>45%</td><td>46%</td><td>–</td><td>9%</td></tr><tr><td>Data Targeting (R)</td><td>December 3–8, 2025</td><td>603 (LV)</td><td>± 4.0%</td><td>45%</td><td>43%</td><td>–</td><td>12%</td></tr><tr><td>Bowling Green State University/YouGov</td><td>October 2–14, 2025</td><td>800 (RV)</td><td>± 4.5%</td><td>50%</td><td>47%</td><td>3%</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td>Hart Research (D)</td><td>September 19–22, 2025</td><td>800 (LV)</td><td>± 3.0%</td><td>45%</td><td>46%</td><td>–</td><td>9%</td></tr><tr><td>Emerson College</td><td>August 18–19, 2025</td><td>1,000 (RV)</td><td>± 3.0%</td><td>49%</td><td>39%</td><td>–</td><td>12%</td></tr><tr><td>Impact Research (D)</td><td>July 24–28, 2025</td><td>800 (LV)</td><td>± 3.5%</td><td>47%</td><td>46%</td><td>–</td><td>7%</td></tr><tr><td>Bowling Green State University/YouGov</td><td>April 18–24, 2025</td><td>800 (RV)</td><td>± 4.1%</td><td>50%</td><td>45%</td><td>5%</td><td>–</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>February 25, 2025</td><td>Ramaswamy declares his candidacy</td></tr><tr><td>Public Policy Polling (D)</td><td>February 19–20, 2025</td><td>642 (RV)</td><td>± 3.9%</td><td>44%</td><td>45%</td><td>–</td><td>11%</td></tr></tbody></table>