COLUMBUS, Ohio — Niraj Antani, a former state senator and self-identified “pro-Trump conservative warrior,” has announced his candidacy to become Ohio’s next Secretary of State, aiming to fill the position that will be vacated by Frank LaRose due to term limits next year. Antani, who is 33 years old and hails from Miamisburg in the Dayton area, has previously pushed for legislation that sought to ban ballot drop boxes and implement citizenship checks for voters, though these measures did not succeed.
As he embarks on his campaign, Antani acknowledges that he is likely to encounter competition in the Republican primary; state Senator Theresa Gavarone has also expressed interest in running for the same office. In a statement, Antani reflected on his family’s historical circumstances under British colonial rule in India, which he believes cultivated his appreciation for the voting rights afforded in the United States. “They didn’t have the right to vote,” he stated, emphasizing that being born in America allows him to deeply value the freedoms that come with citizenship, including the right to vote. He underscored his commitment to protecting this essential democratic process, calling it a “sacred institution.”
Antani first entered the political arena in 2014 when he was elected to the Ohio House, making history as the first Indian-American and Hindu to serve there. He held that position for six years before transitioning to a four-year term in the Ohio Senate. Following a redistricting that favored Democrats, he chose not to run for re-election and instead campaigned for Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District. However, his congressional bid was unsuccessful, as he finished last among eleven primary candidates.
Throughout his time in the Legislature, Antani maintained a firm stance on controversial issues, positioning himself as a staunch opponent to politicians from both parties. He voted in favor of legislation banning most abortions once fetal cardiac activity is detected and was a co-sponsor of measures affirming that life begins at conception. Additionally, he supported initiatives to withdraw funding from cities that declared sanctuary status for undocumented immigrants. Antani also represented President Donald Trump as a delegate during the 2024 Republican National Convention.
On the Democratic side, Dr. Bryan Hambley, an oncologist from Warren County, is running for the Secretary of State position as well. In a campaign announcement shared on his Facebook page on January 2, Hambley called for reforms within Ohio’s electoral processes. He criticized the current state of democracy in Ohio and emphasized the need for fair political districts and elected officials who are accountable to their constituents. His vision includes a Secretary of State who prioritizes the enhancement of voter participation rather than limiting it through vague or misleading ballot language.
