Ohio carries two top-of-ticket races in 2026, a U.S. Senate special election and an open governorship, both on the ballot November 3, 2026. Here's a nonpartisan guide to a state that has trended Republican but still fields competitive statewide contests.
What's on the 2026 ballot in Ohio?
The U.S. Senate special election fills the seat vacated when JD Vance became vice president, with Republican appointee Jon Husted running to hold it, one of two Senate special elections nationally in 2026. The governorship is open, with Republican incumbent Mike DeWine term-limited. Below them: all of Ohio's U.S. House seats, state executive offices, legislative races, and local contests.
What makes Ohio's races matter?
Ohio has shifted from a national bellwether to a Republican-leaning state over the past decade, but it still produces competitive statewide races, particularly for open or newly-appointed seats without a long incumbency behind them. A Senate special and an open governor's race both lack that anchor, which keeps them live, and Ohio's mix of large metros, industrial cities, and rural expanse means reaching a varied electorate is the task.
Why turnout decides Ohio
Because a midterm lowers turnout and both marquee races lack a long-serving incumbent, mobilizing each coalition matters more than usual. Ohio's early and mail voting spreads turnout across weeks, and the down-ballot races ride the same wave the statewide contests generate.
Frequently asked questions
What are the big races in Ohio in 2026?
A U.S. Senate special election, Republican appointee Jon Husted running to hold JD Vance's former seat, and an open governorship, Republican incumbent Mike DeWine is term-limited, plus all U.S. House seats and state offices.
Why do Ohio's 2026 races matter?
Ohio has leaned Republican recently but still fields competitive statewide races, especially for a Senate special and an open governorship, neither of which has a long incumbency anchoring it.
Why does turnout matter in Ohio?
Because midterm turnout falls and neither top race has a long-serving incumbent, mobilizing each coalition is decisive. Weeks of early and mail voting make turnout a sustained operation, and down-ballot races ride the wave.
This reflects the cycle as of the date above. Facts drawn from nonpartisan sources including Ballotpedia. Confirm voting details at Vote.org.
Keep reading: The 2026 midterms are a turnout election and texting for a congressional race.