Ohio Governor’s Race Heats Up Early: A tale of Two Parties
The race for Ohio’s governorship is off to an unusually early start, with the first television ads dropping more than a year before the election. The flurry of political activity, spearheaded by a super PAC supporting Trump-backed candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, highlights how quickly Ohio Republicans are positioning themselves for control of the state’s five statewide executive offices up for grabs in 2026. The urgency is palpable among Republicans, but it raises a critical question: Where are the Ohio Democrats? Fresh from a string of tough losses in 2023, including the defeat of three-term U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and the rejection of the anti-gerrymandering Issue 1 amendment, the Democratic Party’s efforts to build a competitive 2026 ticket have been notably slow and subdued.
Democrats Struggle to Find Their Footing
The Democratic Party in Ohio is in a state of flux, with few candidates stepping forward to run for statewide offices. Dr. Amy Acton, the former state health director who gained recognition for her leadership during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, is one of the few Democrats running for governor. Acton is methodically building her campaign and financial support, but she lacks the political clout and experience of someone like Sherrod Brown, who had reliably won statewide races for decades before his recent defeat. Apart from Acton, only two other Democrats—Brian Hambley, a southwest Ohio oncologist running for secretary of state, and Elliot Forhan, a former state representative with a tarnished reputation running for attorney general—have officially launched their campaigns.
National Party Strategy Complicates State-Level Efforts
The lack of activity among Ohio Democrats reflects broader struggles within the national Democratic Party. There is ongoing debate about how to counter the actions of President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their Republican allies in Congress. Some party leaders advocate for a low-profile approach, while others argue for a more aggressive response to the party’s bitter defeats in the 2023 elections. This internal division has left many Democrats uncertain about how to move forward. University of Akron’s Bliss Institute of Applied Politics Director Dr. J. Cherie Strachan notes that people are “being quiet right now and sort of circling the wagons and kind of trying to figure out how to respond.”
The Shadow of Sherrod Brown Looms Large
Much of the hesitation among Ohio Democrats can be attributed to the lingering presence of Sherrod Brown. After his sudden defeat, Brown hinted at a potential return to politics, leaving many aspiring candidates waiting in the wings. According to party insiders, Brown’s plans are a major factor in the delay. If he decides to run, he could potentially seek the governorship, setting up a contested primary with Amy Acton, or he might aim for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Vice President JD Vance, which Jon Husted must defend in 2025. Brown has also sparked speculation about a presidential bid after publishing a treatise in The New Republic magazine on restoring the national Democratic Party with a pro-worker message.
Republican Confidence vs. Democratic Optimism
While Democrats are grappling with internal deliberations, Ohio Republicans are confident in their early momentum. Attorney General Dave Yost is running for governor, Auditor Keith Faber is seeking the attorney general’s office, Secretary of State Frank LaRose is targeting the auditor’s position, and Treasurer Robert Sprague is eyeing the secretary of state role. This shuffling of candidates reflects Republicans’ efforts to maintain their grip on statewide offices. However, Democrats are not without hope. Former Ohio Democratic Party Executive Director Greg Beswick believes that once Brown’s plans become clear, other Democrats will be ready to launch their campaigns. He also points to falling approval ratings for Trump and Musk as potential opportunities for Democrats in 2026.
A Road Ahead Marked by Uncertainty and Opportunity
The Ohio governor’s race is shaping up to be a defining moment for both parties. While Republicans are leveraging their early start to stake their claims, Democrats are banking on the possibility of a strong candidate like Sherrod Brown re-entering the fray. The party is also seeing enthusiasm at grassroots organizing events, with spokesperson Katie Seewer noting that “people are fired up and ready to go.” Contested primaries, while potentially divisive, could also energize voters and generate much-needed media attention. As the race progresses, the question remains whether Democrats can overcome their current inertia and mount a credible challenge to Republican dominance in Ohio. For now, the state’s political landscape remains a story of contrasts—one party racing to the front, the other still finding its footing.
