COLUMBUS, Ohio — A graduate student from Ohio State University has declared his intentions to run independently for the governor’s seat in 2026. This decision was announced on Wednesday, marking Timothy Grady’s second attempt for the position.
At 28, Grady champions what he refers to as “new economic thinking” and seeks profound political reforms. In the previous gubernatorial run of 2022, he engaged in a “largely satirical” campaign as a write-in contender. Despite the unconventional approach, he managed to finish fourth out of six candidates, garnering a total of 574 votes. His earlier bid gained the support of Vermin Supreme, known for his performance art and activism.
The upcoming gubernatorial race features noteworthy figures such as billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, who has the endorsement of Donald Trump and the Republican Party of Ohio, Heather Hill, an entrepreneur from Appalachia, and Amy Acton, a Democrat who served as Ohio’s health director during the onset of the COVID-19 crisis.
In a formal statement, Grady acknowledged, “I am still not the candidate Ohioans deserve,” yet he expressed confidence in being the top choice given the current political landscape. He argued that the “toxic politics” prevalent today deter capable individuals from entering the race.
Grady hails from Richland County in northern Ohio and is advancing towards obtaining his master’s in public administration at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. In addition, he has recently taken on leadership roles, including chairing and implementing strategic changes in the Ohio chapter of the Forward Party, a centrist initiative created by past presidential hopeful Andrew Yang.