Ohio Political Landscape Takes Shape After Primary Election
By Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Director of Advocacy & Research
Ohio voters headed to the polls on May 5 for one of the most consequential primary elections in recent history, setting the direction for several key races this fall.
This year’s election is particularly notable because all five of Ohio’s statewide executive offices are open due to term limits: voters selected party nominees for Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, and Treasurer, all positions that will play a key role in shaping policy across the state in the years ahead.
Primary Turnout Snapshot
Primary election turnout in 2026 saw a roughly 2% increase compared to the last primary cycle in 2022, with over 100,000 additional voters participating this year:
- Total Turnout (2026): 6%
- Total Turnout (2022): 8%
Governor’s Race Takes Shape
The Republican primary for Governor drew national attention as candidates competed for the nomination in a closely watched contest. Results largely aligned with pre-election polling, with Vivek Ramaswamy securing a decisive victory with 82.5% of the vote, while challenger Casey Putsch received 17.5%.
On the Democratic side, Amy Acton ran uncontested, securing the nomination and setting up a clear general election matchup this fall.
With all statewide offices open, the governor’s race is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests, not only in Ohio, but across the country.
Treasurer’s Race Clears Up
The Republican primary for State Treasurer emerged as the closest statewide contest of the election cycle. Jay Edwards secured the nomination with 53.0% of the vote, narrowly defeating Kristina Roegner, who received 46.9%. The competitive race reflected continued voter focus on fiscal leadership and economic issues heading into the general election.
Other Statewide Primary Winners
- Attorney General: Keith Faber (R) and John J. Kulewicz (D)
- Secretary of State: Robert Sprague (R) and Allison Russo (D)
- Auditor: Frank Larose (R) and Annette Blackwell (D)
Key Congressional Races to Watch
Several congressional primaries across Ohio drew heightened attention this primary season and are expected to remain closely watched heading into the general election:
9th Congressional District (Toledo / Northwest Ohio):
The Republican primary in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District was crowded and closely watched, with former state representative Derek Merrin securing the nomination with 44.1% of the vote. Current State Representative Josh Williams finished second with 25.3%. The seat is currently held by Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in Congressional history, who has represented the district since 1983. With shifting political dynamics in the region, the general election is expected to be competitive and remains one of the key congressional races to watch this fall.
13th Congressional District (Akron / Summit County):
Incumbent Rep. Emilia Sykes, a second-term Democrat from Akron, is seeking reelection. On the Republican side, Carey Coleman secured the nomination with 47.3% of the vote following a primary field that shifted after a leading challenger withdrew from the race. Recent redistricting made the district slightly more favorable for Democrats, but the race is still widely viewed as a toss-up. Significant spending is expected on both sides, similar to the $6-7 million invested by each party during the 2024 election cycle.
14th Congressional District (Northeast Ohio / Mahoning Valley):
Incumbent Rep. Dave Joyce, a seven-term Republican, successfully defended his seat in a three-way primary, securing the nomination with 70.3% of the vote. While Joyce has previously defeated primary challengers by wide margins, this race drew added attention due to changes to district boundaries that include more Trump-leaning voters. The Republican nominee is expected to remain heavily favored in the general election in this reliably Republican district.
Statehouse Races
Voters also selected nominees in dozens of Statehouse races across Ohio, which will affect the legislative landscape that will take up key issues such as taxes, housing, and economic development next session. While many incumbents advanced, several open-seat and regional races will be worth watching heading into November.
View full Statehouse election results here.
Looking Ahead
Now that the primary field is set, campaigns will begin focusing on November’s general election. May’s results reflected changing political dynamics in several parts of the state, particularly in newly redrawn districts.
While primary elections often see lower turnout, the results are critical in shaping the candidates and issues that will define the November ballot. Ohio is poised for an active and closely watched general election season.
For REALTORS® and property owners, these elections carry real implications. State and federal policymakers influence issues such as property taxes, housing supply, and regulatory frameworks that directly impact the real estate industry.
As the election cycle continues, Ohio REALTORS® encourages members to stay informed, engage with candidates, and remain active in the democratic process!
View all election results here.
