Ohio politics is basically in the middle of a massive earthquake. With Mike DeWine finally hitting his term limits and packing his bags, the race for the 2026 governor’s seat has turned into a high-stakes collision between celebrity outsiders and seasoned political veterans.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a circus.
If you've been trying to keep track of who's running for ohio governor, you probably noticed that the old-school rules don't really apply anymore. We aren't just looking at a list of career politicians waiting their turn. Instead, the primary is shaping up to be a fight for the soul of both parties.
The Big Names: Who’s Actually on the Ballot?
Let’s get straight to the heavy hitters. As of early 2026, the field has narrowed significantly after some dramatic exits.
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The Republican Heavyweight: Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek Ramaswamy isn't just running; he’s currently the elephant in the room. After his 2024 presidential run and a high-profile stint co-leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he’s brought a massive national spotlight to Ohio.
He recently made waves by tapping Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate. It was a strategic move. By picking McColley—a guy with a 100% voting record from the NFIB—Vivek is trying to bridge the gap between his "anti-establishment" brand and the actual people who run things in Columbus. He’s already secured the endorsement of the Ohio Republican Party and Donald Trump. That’s a tough combo to beat in a primary.
The Democratic Frontrunner: Dr. Amy Acton
On the other side, Dr. Amy Acton has emerged as the clear favorite for the Democrats. You probably remember her from the daily COVID-19 briefings alongside DeWine back in 2020. She’s leaning into that "calm in the storm" persona.
She just announced David Pepper, the former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, as her choice for Lieutenant Governor. Pepper is a sharp critic of the current statehouse leadership, and his presence on the ticket suggests Acton is ready to get aggressive about gerrymandering and voting rights.
The Outsiders and Longshots
It’s not just a two-person race, though. We’ve got a handful of other candidates trying to find oxygen:
- Heather Hill: A business owner and former Morgan County School Board president. She’s running with Stuart Moats, who some might recognize from reality TV.
- Casey Putsch: An automotive entrepreneur who’s been very vocal on social media, running alongside Kim Georgeton.
- Philip Funderburg: An insurance agent who is also vying for the GOP nomination.
- Don Kissick: Representing the Libertarian interest, often appearing on the fringes of the major debates.
Why Some Big Names Dropped Out
You might be asking, "Wait, what happened to Dave Yost or Jon Husted?"
Good question.
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Attorney General Dave Yost was widely expected to be the successor to the DeWine legacy. But in May 2025, he pulled the plug. He basically said the climb to the nomination had become a "vertical cliff." Translation: Vivek’s entry and Trump’s endorsement made the math impossible for a traditional Republican.
Jon Husted, the former Lieutenant Governor, took a different path. When JD Vance became Vice President, Governor DeWine appointed Husted to fill that empty U.S. Senate seat. So, instead of running for governor, Husted is now fighting to keep his Senate seat in a special election against Sherrod Brown.
The Issues That Actually Matter
When you look at who's running for ohio governor, you have to look at what they’re fighting about. It’s not just vague stump speeches.
1. The Economy and Small Business
Vivek is hitting hard on "regulatory relief." He wants to gut the state bureaucracy. Meanwhile, Acton and Pepper are talking about "kitchen table" economics—healthcare costs and the struggle of the middle class in cities like Dayton and Akron.
2. Reproductive Rights
Since Ohioans voted to protect abortion rights in the state constitution, the governor’s race has become the next battlefield. Acton has made it clear she’ll protect that amendment, while the Republican candidates are still navigating how to handle a base that wants more restrictions without alienating the general election voters.
3. Statehouse Ethics
Corruption is a sore spot in Ohio. From the FirstEnergy scandal to debates over how maps are drawn, people are tired of "business as usual" in Columbus. David Pepper’s inclusion on the Democratic ticket is a direct signal that they want to make "cleaning up the swamp" a primary theme.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Race
A lot of folks think this is a done deal because Ohio has leaned red lately. But look at the polling.
An Emerson College poll from late 2025 showed Acton leading Ramaswamy by a single point. That’s within the margin of error. It’s a dead heat.
The misconception is that a "Trump-style" candidate like Vivek is a slam dunk in the general election. While he’s incredibly popular with the base, Acton has high name recognition among independents who liked how she handled the early days of the pandemic.
Practical Steps for Ohio Voters
The primary is coming up fast on May 5, 2026. If you want your voice heard, here is what you need to do right now:
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- Check Your Registration: The deadline to register for the primary is usually 30 days before the election. Don’t wait until April.
- Research the Lt. Govs: Don't just look at the top of the ticket. Rob McColley and David Pepper would have massive influence over state policy.
- Follow the Money: Keep an eye on the campaign finance reports. Vivek has a massive war chest, but Acton’s grassroots numbers are surprisingly high for a Democrat in a red-leaning state.
- Look Beyond the Soundbites: Watch the actual debates. Hearing how these candidates handle a question about local infrastructure or the opioid crisis tells you more than a 30-second TV ad ever will.
The race for the 2026 Ohio Governor's seat is far from settled. Whether we end up with a tech mogul or a doctor in the Governor’s Mansion will depend entirely on which version of Ohio shows up to the polls this spring.