Ohio Gubernatorial Candidates Ramp Up Campaigns Ahead of 2026 Primary

Ohio’s gubernatorial candidates are starting to ratchet up their campaigns.

The leading candidate on the Democratic side is Dr, Amy Action, who said her campaign is focused on things people are talking about, “People are talking about property taxes and aging in place with dignity. They’re talking about feeling safe, safe in their communities, safe in their schools for their children or going to worship somewhere, not controversial, none of that is being worked on by our very broken special interests.” 

Leading Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said his campaign is also focused on affordability issues, including how to increase take home pay, “And the best way to increase take home pay in this state is to bring more businesses and high paying jobs into our state, and then to reduce the tax burden like from the property tax burden or what I consider a regulatory tax on electricity, the electric bills that you pay. Put more money into people’s pockets, that’s the best defense against affordability.”

Ohio’s 2026 Primary Election is May 5, and the winners will face off this fall to replace outgoing Governor Mike DeWine who is term limited.