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NewsThe GuardianMay 5, 2026United States

Ohio Midterm Primary Election Overview

Ohio voters are heading to the polls to select candidates for the upcoming November midterm elections, which will determine party control of Congress and the state's next governor. The primaries feature high-profile races for the U.S. Senate, the House of Representatives, and the governorship.

electionsmidtermsOhioSenateHouse of Representativesredistricting
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Why It Matters

The outcome of these s determines the candidates who will appear on the November 3 ballot to decide control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, as well as the next Governor of Ohio.

Key Facts

  • Ohio voters are participating in primary elections to select candidates for the November 3 midterm elections.
  • The Senate special election will determine who serves the final two years of the term originally won by JD Vance in 2022.
  • Governor Mike DeWine is ineligible to run for re-election due to state term limits.
  • Republicans are projected to win at least 10 of Ohio's 15 U.S. House seats.
  • The 9th Congressional District race is considered highly contested, with candidates Derek Merrin, Madison Sheahan, and Josh Williams vying for the Republican nomination to challenge Marcy Kaptur.
  • In the 2024 election, Derek Merrin lost to Marcy Kaptur by fewer than 2,400 votes.
  • Nationwide, the November 3 midterms will decide all 435 House seats and 33 Senate seats.
  • Ohio's 9th District has become increasingly conservative following redistricting maps approved last year.

Who's Mentioned

personVivek Ramaswamy“Republican candidate for Governor.”personMike DeWine“Outgoing Republican Governor of Ohio.”personSherrod Brown“Democratic candidate vying for a U.S. Senate seat.”personBernie Moreno“Republican Senator who defeated Sherrod Brown in 2024.”personCasey Putsch“Republican primary challenger for Governor.”personDerek Merrin“Republican candidate for the 9th Congressional District.”personAmy Acton“Democratic candidate for Governor.”personDonald Trump“Former President and leader of the Republican party.”personJon Husted“Republican incumbent U.S. Senator.”personJD Vance“Former Senator who became Vice-President.”personJosh Williams“Republican candidate for the 9th Congressional District.”personMadison Sheahan“Republican candidate for the 9th Congressional District.”personMarcy Kaptur“Democratic U.S. Representative.”