NewsCBS News PoliticsMay 5, 2026United States
What to Know About the May 2026 Primary Elections in Ohio and Indiana
Voters in Ohio and Indiana head to the polls on Tuesday for primary elections that include key Senate, House, and gubernatorial races. The contests feature significant national interest, particularly in Indiana state legislative races where President Trump has endorsed challengers against incumbents who opposed redistricting efforts.
Read the full story at CBS News PoliticsWhy It Matters
These results will determine the candidates for the November general election, potentially shifting control of the U.S. Senate and influencing the future of state-level legislative leadership in Indiana.
Key Facts
- Indiana voters are choosing candidates for House and state-level races, including 25 of 50 state senate seats.
- President Trump and Governor Mike Braun have endorsed primary challengers against seven Indiana state senators who voted against a 2025 redistricting plan.
- The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus has spent more money on these primary races than in the entire 2022 election cycle.
- Ohio voters are casting ballots in Senate, House, and gubernatorial primary races.
- Former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown is running in the Ohio Senate primary against Ron Kincaid to challenge incumbent Senator John Husted.
- Five Republican candidates are competing in Ohio's 9th Congressional District to challenge Democratic Representative Marcy Kaptur.
- Ohio's 9th District was redrawn in October 2025 to lean more Republican.
- Republican Governor Mike DeWine is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.
- Vivek Ramaswamy is the primary Republican candidate for Ohio Governor, endorsed by President Trump and the state party.
- Amy Acton is the unopposed Democratic candidate for Ohio Governor.
Who's Mentioned
personJohn Husted“Current U.S. Senator for Ohio”personRodric Bray“Indiana State Senate President”personVivek Ramaswamy“Republican candidate for Ohio Governor”personSherrod Brown“Former Democratic Senator seeking a comeback bid in Ohio”personMike Braun“Governor of Indiana, endorsing primary challengers”personAmy Acton“Democratic candidate for Ohio Governor”personGreg Good“Indiana State Senator”personDonald Trump“President of the United States, endorsing primary challengers in Indiana”personBrenda Wilson“Trump-endorsed challenger for Indiana State Senate”personMarcy Kaptur“Democratic Representative for Ohio's 9th District”