NewsReutersMay 5, 2026United States
Ohio Primary Election Overview: Key Races and Candidates
Ohio voters are heading to the polls for primary elections that will set the stage for high-stakes November general election matchups. The ballot features competitive races for governor, U.S. Senate, and several U.S. House seats under newly redrawn district maps.
Read the full story at ReutersWhy It Matters
The results will determine the candidates for statewide and federal offices, including the governor's seat and multiple congressional districts, which will shape Ohio's political representation and policy direction for the next term.
Key Facts
- Early voting for the primary election began on April 7.
- New election laws are in effect, including mandatory citizenship checks and the elimination of the four-day grace period for receiving mailed ballots.
- The governor's race features Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton.
- Jon Husted is running unopposed in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat.
- Sherrod Brown is the likely Democratic opponent for the U.S. Senate seat.
- Ohio has 15 congressional seats, with Republicans currently holding 10.
- New congressional district maps have been implemented, affecting multiple U.S. House races.
- The 2024 U.S. Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno saw total spending reach $500 million.
- Casey Putsch is challenging Vivek Ramaswamy in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
- Ron Kincaid is challenging Sherrod Brown in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary.
Who's Mentioned
personVivek Ramaswamy“Republican candidate for Ohio governor”dollar_amount$500 million“Total spending in the 2024 U.S. Senate race”personSherrod Brown“Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate”personAmy Acton“Democratic candidate for Ohio governor”personJon Husted“Republican candidate for U.S. Senate”dateApril 7“Start date for early voting”personMarcy Kaptur“Democratic U.S. Representative”