Candidates for Ohio’s Gubernatorial and Executive Cabinet elections have begun launching their campaigns, setting the stage for competitive and crowded primary elections.

Attorney General Dave Yost, who teased his campaigns in late 2024 on the social platform X, officially announced his campaign for Governor last week. Yost was the first major candidate to announce his campaign after Governor Mike DeWine appointed then-Lt. Governor Jon Husted to Ohio’s vacant U.S. Senate seat.

Former presidential candidate and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy plans to announce a bid for governor in mid-February. Ramaswamy this week announced that two top political advisers of Vice President JD Vance had joined his team, all but confirming his bid to run in 2026.

Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is also expected to announce his campaign soon.

Amy Acton, the former head of Ohio’s health agency, still remains the sole Democrat to challenge Republicans for governor in 2026.

Ohio Auditor Keith Faber announced his bid this week for Attorney General, Ohio’s top law enforcement official. Niraj Antani, a former state senator and representative from Dayton, also launched his campaign for Secretary of State at the start of the week. 1/29/2024