COLUMBUS, Ohio — This week marked the launch of the first television advertisements for the Ohio governor’s race, a contest that won’t take place for over a year. This initial blitz comes courtesy of a super PAC supporting Vivek Ramaswamy, a gubernatorial candidate with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. The early entry into the race demonstrates how swiftly Ohio’s leading Republicans are spotlighting themselves and asserting claims to five statewide office positions set to open in 2026.
Ohio Democrats, meanwhile, seem to be adopting a more reserved approach. After experiencing significant setbacks last year, including the loss of three-term U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown to businessman Bernie Moreno from Cleveland, and the failure of the anti-gerrymandering amendment known as Issue 1, the party’s plans for the 2026 election line-up have thus far emerged only sluggishly. This gradual pace has led some to feel the Democrats are moving too slowly.
Dr. Amy Acton, who served as Ohio’s state health director during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, plans to run for governor as a Democrat. Acton is taking deliberate steps to gather financial support and establish a statewide campaign. Despite gaining significant visibility during the pandemic through daily briefings, Acton comes without the extensive political tenure of someone like Sherrod Brown, who had been winning statewide election victories for many years until last year.
Currently, only two other Democrats have initiated campaigns for statewide office: Brian Hambley, an oncologist from southwest Ohio, is running for secretary of state, and Elliot Forhan, a former state representative, is campaigning for attorney general, even though his reputation is somewhat tarnished. This slow movement is part of a larger struggle among Democrats, who nationally are grappling with creating a strategy to counter the actions of President Trump, Elon Musk, and their Republican allies in Congress. Debates persist about whether to remain under the radar or to take a more assertive stance, especially following the defeat in November’s elections at state and federal levels.
“There’s a sense of quiet as people gather, strategize, and prepare responses,” remarked Dr. J. Cherie Strachan, the director of the University of Akron’s Bliss Institute of Applied Politics. Outgoing Senator Brown has expressed intentions to return to politics, contributing to why some Democrats are hesitating. According to party insiders, granted anonymity for candidness, the Republicans might be initiating their campaigns prematurely rather than the Democrats being tardy.
It remains to be seen if Brown will choose to run for office again and, if so, which position he will pursue. He could aim for the governorship, potentially contesting against Acton in a primary, or he might set his sights on the U.S. Senate seat that Jon Husted currently occupies. This would require Husted to defend his position next year. Brown’s recent published perspective on rejuvenating the Democratic Party with a labor-focused agenda has even led to speculation of presidential ambitions.
Former Ohio Democratic Party executive director Greg Beswick predicts that once Brown’s intentions are clear, other Democratic contenders will emerge. Beswick remains optimistic despite Democrats not securing a statewide executive office in 20 years, noting that slipping approval ratings for Trump and Musk could present opportunities by 2026. “The Democrats will mobilize when they spot these shifts,” he added. “Republicans simply have found it easier; they’re constantly reworking their strategies to maintain positions.”
This reworking involves key Republicans like Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost running for governor, Auditor Keith Faber for attorney general, Secretary of State Frank LaRose aiming for auditor, and Treasurer Robert Sprague running for secretary of state. Other prominent Democrats considering 2026 campaigns include former U.S. Representative Tim Ryan, who faced a narrower-than-expected defeat to Vance in the 2022 Senate race, Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo, who obtained notable concessions from Republicans recently, and former U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach, who led the ATF under President Biden.
Katie Seewer, spokesperson for the Ohio Democratic Party, stated they expect at least one Democrat to contest each statewide race, adding that there’s substantial enthusiasm at organizing events. “People are energized and prepared to engage,” said Seewer. Strachan emphasized that Democratic primaries could be advantageous by attracting media coverage and invigorating the electorate.
