2026 Ohio gubernatorial election

Last updated

2026 Ohio gubernatorial election
Flag of Ohio.svg
  2022 November 3, 20262030 
 
Party Republican Democratic

Incumbent Governor

Mike DeWine
Republican



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]

Contents

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Publicly expressed interest

Withdrawn

Declined

Endorsements

Vivek Ramaswamy
Presidents of the United States
U.S. senators
U.S. representatives
State legislators and officials
Local officials
Party officials
Individuals
Political parties
Organizations
Labor unions
Dave Yost (withdrawn)
Statewide officials
Local officials
  • 30 county sheriffs [24]

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
Sample
size [a]
Margin
of error
Heather
Hill
Vivek
Ramaswamy
Dave
Yost
OtherUndecided
August 27, 2025Hill withdraws her candidacy [4]
May 16, 2025Yost withdraws his candidacy [7]
Bowling Green State University/YouGov [35] [36] April 18–24, 2025359 (RV)4%64%13%19% [b]
Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R) [37] April 6–10, 2025500 (LV)± 4.4%1%71%10%11% [c] 8%
75%19%6%
77%17% [d] 6%
February 25, 2025Ramaswamy declares his candidacy
Bowling Green State University/YouGov [38] February 14–21, 2025800 (RV)± 4.0%9%61%24%9%
National Public Affairs (R) [39] [A] February 2–5, 2025602 (RV)± 4.0%46%18%2% [e] 34%
WPA Intelligence (R) [40] [B] January 28–30, 2025600 (LV)± 4.0%57%26%6% [f] 10%
Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R) [41] [C] January 26–27, 2025600 (LV)± 4.0%52%18%3% [g] 27%

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Publicly expressed interest

Declined

Polling

Hypothetical polling
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
Sample
size [a]
Margin
of error
Amy
Acton
Sherrod
Brown
Tim
Ryan
OtherUndecided
August 18, 2025Sherrod Brown announces his candidacy for the U.S. Senate [49]
Bowling Green State University/YouGov [35] [36] April 18–24, 2025335 (RV)20%59%16%14% [h]
52%38%10% [i]
Bowling Green State University/YouGov [38] February 14–21, 2025335 (RV)± 4.0%20%59%17%4%
46%45%9%

Independents

Declared

Publicly expressed interest

Endorsements

Timothy Grady
Political Parties

General election

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
Inside Elections [52] Solid RApril 17, 2025
The Cook Political Report [53] Likely RMay 12, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball [54] Likely RJuly 24, 2025
Race to the WH [55] Tilt RAugust 13, 2025

Polling

Vivek Ramaswamy vs. Amy Acton

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
Sample
size [a]
Margin
of error
Vivek
Ramaswamy (R)
Amy
Acton (D)
OtherUndecided
Emerson College [56] August 18–19, 20251,000 (RV)± 3.0%49%39%12%
Impact Research (D) [57] [D] July 24–28, 2025800 (LV)± 3.5%47%46%7%
Bowling Green State University/YouGov [35] [36] April 18–24, 2025800 (RV)± 4.1%50%45%5% [j]
February 25, 2025Ramaswamy declares his candidacy
Public Policy Polling (D) [58] [E] February 19–20, 2025642 (RV)± 3.9%44%45%11%
Hypothetical polling

Vivek Ramaswamy vs. Tim Ryan

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
Sample
size [a]
Margin
of error
Vivek
Ramaswamy (R)
Tim
Ryan (D)
OtherUndecided
Emerson College [56] August 18–19, 20251,000 (RV)± 3.0%49%41%10%
Bowling Green State University/YouGov [35] [36] April 18–24, 2025800 (RV)± 4.1%51%44%5% [j]
Public Policy Polling (D) [58] [E] February 19–20, 2025642 (RV)± 3.9%48%42%10%

Dave Yost vs. Amy Acton

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
Sample
size [a]
Margin
of error
Dave
Yost (R)
Amy
Acton (D)
OtherUndecided
Bowling Green State University/YouGov [35] [36] April 18–24, 2025800 (RV)± 4.1%46%45%9% [k]

Dave Yost vs. Tim Ryan

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
Sample
size [a]
Margin
of error
Dave
Yost (R)
Tim
Ryan (D)
OtherUndecided
Bowling Green State University/YouGov [35] [36] April 18–24, 2025800 (RV)± 4.1%46%44%10% [i]

Jim Tressel vs. Amy Acton

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
Sample
size [a]
Margin
of error
Jim
Tressel (R)
Amy
Acton (D)
OtherUndecided
Bowling Green State University/YouGov [35] [36] April 18–24, 2025800 (RV)± 4.1%46%44%10% [i]

Jim Tressel vs. Tim Ryan

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
Sample
size [a]
Margin
of error
Jim
Tressel (R)
Tim
Ryan (D)
OtherUndecided
Bowling Green State University/YouGov [35] [36] April 18–24, 2025800 (RV)± 4.1%46%43%11% [l]

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear
  2. Jim Tressel with 14%
  3. Jim Tressel with 11%
  4. Jim Tressel with 17%
  5. Robert Sprague and Jeremiah Workman with 1%
  6. Robert Sprague with 6%
  7. Robert Sprague with 2%; Jeremiah Workman with 1%
  8. "Neither" with 14%
  9. 1 2 3 "Someone else" with 10%
  10. 1 2 "Someone else" with 5%
  11. "Someone else" with 9%
  12. "Someone else" with 11%

Partisan clients

  1. Poll sponsored by Yost's campaign
  2. Poll sponsored by Club for Growth
  3. Poll sponsored by Ramaswamy's campaign
  4. Poll sponsored by Acton's campaign
  5. 1 2 Poll sponsored by 314 Action, an organization dedicated to electing Democratic scientists to public office.

Official campaign websites

References

  1. Muhammad, Mariyam. "Can Mike DeWine run for Ohio governor in 2026? What to know about term limits". The Columbus Dispatch . Retrieved February 5, 2025.
  2. Smyth, Julie Carr (February 24, 2025). "Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy joins the Ohio governor's race". The Associated Press . Retrieved February 24, 2025.
  3. Gomez, Henry (May 8, 2025). "Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel confirms he's considering a run for governor". NBC News . Retrieved May 9, 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 Davidson, J. D. (August 27, 2025). "Ramaswamy's only GOP opponent leaving party". The Center Square . Retrieved August 28, 2025.
  5. Pelzer, Jeremy (September 25, 2023). "Ohio Republican bows out of 2026 governor's race". The Plain Dealer . Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  6. 1 2 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.
  7. 1 2 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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)
  10. Smyth, Julie Carr (April 9, 2025). "Trump favorite Jon Husted launches 2026 U.S. Senate campaign in Ohio". Associated Press . Retrieved April 9, 2025.
  11. Smyth, Julie Carr (February 6, 2025). "Ohio elections chief Frank LaRose will run for state auditor in 2026". Associated Press . Retrieved February 6, 2025.
  12. 1 2 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.
  13. 1 2 Ashleigh, Fields (February 25, 2025). "Trump, Musk endorse Ramaswamy in Ohio governor's race". The Hill . Retrieved February 26, 2025.
  14. 1 2 3 Wright, David (February 24, 2025). "Vivek Ramaswamy announces 2026 bid for Ohio governor". CNN. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
  15. Sinha, Anand (April 23, 2025). "Senator Lummis backs Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio governor". TheStreet. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  16. 1 2 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.
  17. Windsor, Jack (March 14, 2025). "Vivek Ramaswamy scores another endorsement in bid for Ohio governor". The Ohio Press Network. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
  18. 1 2 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.
  19. 1 2 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.
  20. Moorwood, Victoria (April 7, 2025). "Yost or Ramaswamy for governor? Where Cincinnati-area Republicans stand". The Cincinnati Enquirer . Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 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.
  22. 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.
  23. Huffman, Matt (July 15, 2025). "Matt Huffman: Ramaswamy has the right approaches". Lima News . Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  24. 1 2 Pelzer, Jeremy (March 3, 2025). "Ramaswamy, Yost split Ohio sheriff endorsements in 2026 Republican governor's race". Cleveland.com . Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  25. Kreemer, Avery (May 9, 2025). "Vivek Ramaswamy bid for governor boosted by early Ohio GOP endorsement". Dayton Daily News . Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. Donaldson, Sarah (May 9, 2025). "Ramaswamy secures Ohio GOP's early endorsement for governor in contested 2026 race". WVXU . Retrieved May 9, 2025.
  29. "Armenian National Committee of America Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor". May 7, 2025. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  30. 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.
  31. @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.
  32. "Ohio Grain Farmers Make Historic Endorsement of Vivek Ramaswamy". Ohio Corn & Wheat. August 12, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  33. "Northwest Ohio trades council endorses Ramaswamy for governor". The Blade . August 29, 2025. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  34. "Blackwell endorses Yost in Ohio governor's race". The Crescent-News. February 5, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
  35. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Alexander, Robert (April 29, 2025). "Survey of 800 Ohio Registered voters 18+, April 2025 Tabs". Bowling Green State University. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  36. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 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.
  37. 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.
  38. 1 2 Fortinsky, Sarah (March 4, 2025). "Ohio governor's race poll: Ramaswamy a favorite, Sherrod Brown has strong backing". The Hill . Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  39. Clark, Justin (February 18, 2025). "National Public Affairs Polling - 2026 Ohio Governor Republican Primary Research" (PDF). National Public Affairs. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  40. 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.
  41. Fabrizio, Tony (January 28, 2025). "Ramasway is the overwhelming frontrunner in GOP Race for Ohio governor". DocumentCloud. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  42. Buchanan, Tyler (January 7, 2025). "Acton announces run for Ohio governor". Axios . Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  43. Mosca, Zach (August 19, 2025). "Spokesperson: Tim Ryan will make final decision to run for governor by September 30". WFMJ-TV . Retrieved August 27, 2025.
  44. 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.
  45. 1 2 3 Solender, Andrew (April 10, 2025). "House leaders face growing horde of members grasping for higher office". Axios. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
  46. 1 2 Gonzales, Nathan (February 12, 2025). "House members running for governor could complicate fight for majority". Roll Call . Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  47. 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.
  48. Henry, Megan (August 21, 2025). "Former Ohio House Democratic leader Allison Russo is running for Ohio Secretary of State". Ohio Capital Journal . Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  49. Otterbein, Holly. "Former Sen. Sherrod Brown launches Ohio Senate campaign". Politico . Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  50. 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.
  51. USPP Regular Meeting 8/10/2025. United States Pirate Party . August 10, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025 via YouTube.
  52. "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections . Retrieved August 13, 2025.
  53. "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
  54. "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
  55. "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
  56. 1 2 "Ohio 2026 Poll:Ramaswamy leads Democratic candidates in potential Gubernatorial matchups". Emerson College Polling. August 21, 2025. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  57. "Ohio Statewide Poll Findings" (PDF). Impact Research. August 5, 2025. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  58. 1 2 Williams, Jim (February 24, 2025). "Acton Leads Ramaswamy in Gubernatorial Matchup" (PDF). 314 Action. Retrieved February 25, 2025.