COLUMBUS, Ohio — Disturbing dreams of her two foster children, tragically shot by police, often wake Heather Hill from her sleep. These haunting nightmares have become a driving force behind the Republican entrepreneur’s decision to enter the 2026 governor’s race in Ohio.
“It has been overwhelming,” expressed the 49-year-old Hill in a recent interview. “I reached out to governors and senators to bridge gaps with no success. So, I decided to make a change by running for governor.”
Hill, from Appalachia, believes her distinct background as a rural Black Republican woman who once fostered children involved in separate police shootings offers her a perspective unmatched by other candidates. Her candidacy has been shaping since she announced her run in November, as she observed many well-connected rivals entering the contest.
Initially, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was the apparent favorite, but his departure to accept a U.S. Senate appointment reshuffled the race. Shortly after, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost declared his gubernatorial bid. The political landscape continues to change with whispers surrounding a potential campaign by Vivek Ramaswamy, former co-chair for the Department of Government Efficiency. Additionally, Jim Tressel, a former Ohio State Buckeyes football coach and current lieutenant governor, might join the GOP primary.
On the Democratic side, Dr. Amy Acton, noted for her leadership during the early stages of the pandemic in Ohio, is also vying for the governorship.
These developments haven’t deterred Hill. The loss of her foster children at ages 20 and 21 to police gunfire was shattering, yet she believes it equips her uniquely. Her goal is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and affected youth, especially those dealing with mental illness.
She contends her position as a woman, entrepreneur, gun advocate, and pro-family conservative makes her a compelling candidate for Republicans across Ohio, saying, “I present the best chance for unity in Ohio, combining strong conservative values with the perspective of a person of color.”
Hill’s political experience includes her tenure as president of the Morgan Local school board and holding leadership roles with the Ohio School Boards Association and Habitat for Humanity. She also served on the Ohio Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission.
Residing with her husband Darrin on a 100-acre farm in the small village of Malta, Hill is part of Southeastern Ohio’s Appalachian region. Their household includes their children: a son serving in the Army, a college senior daughter, and numerous foster children over two decades. Candy Barr, trainer and member of Hill’s campaign advisory team, commended her dedication to supporting children from challenging backgrounds.
Having experienced fertility challenges, Hill has a nuanced understanding of health procedures like D&Cs and supports in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite her personal opposition to abortion, she respects the 2023 constitutional amendment upholding access to the procedure in Ohio.
“Our voters have spoken. As governor, I will respect their decisions embedded in our Constitution,” she asserted.
The Hills are passionate about hunting and own the Ohio Hunting Lodge, along with various other enterprises, including a real estate venture providing housing for low-income residents. Heather Hill’s first business, a marketing firm, now operates across the state.
Although Hill doesn’t align entirely with the current governor’s centrist-conservative approach, she acknowledges the opportunities offered and the efforts made to enhance life in Ohio.
“I understand it’s not perfect, and I have a long journey ahead,” she admitted, “but the foundations laid are strong, and I am ready to build upon them.”
