Ohio voters participated in the state’s primary election on May 5, selecting nominees for all five statewide executive offices and several closely watched congressional seats.
The outcome of this primary is significant because it determines the candidates who will shape Ohio’s political landscape in the coming years. All five executive offices—Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, and Treasurer—were open due to term limits, making this a pivotal moment for policy direction across the state.
Turnout in the 2026 primary increased by about 2% compared to 2022, with over 100,000 more voters participating. The Republican gubernatorial primary saw Vivek Ramaswamy win decisively with 82.5% of the vote against Casey Putsch. Amy Acton ran uncontested on the Democratic side. The governor’s race is expected to be one of Ohio’s most competitive contests this fall.
In other statewide contests, Jay Edwards narrowly won the Republican nomination for State Treasurer with 53%, while Kristina Roegner received 46.9%. For Attorney General, Keith Faber (Republican) and John J. Kulewicz (Democrat) secured nominations; Robert Sprague (Republican) and Allison Russo (Democrat) were nominated for Secretary of State; Frank Larose (Republican) and Annette Blackwell (Democrat) advanced as Auditor candidates.
Several congressional districts also drew attention. In District 9 covering Toledo and Northwest Ohio, Derek Merrin won a crowded Republican field with 44.1%. Incumbent Rep. Emilia Sykes seeks reelection in District 13 after Carey Coleman secured the Republican nomination with 47.3%. In District 14 encompassing Northeast Ohio and Mahoning Valley, incumbent Dave Joyce won his party’s nomination with over seventy percent of votes amid newly redrawn district boundaries.
Voters also selected nominees in dozens of Statehouse races that will influence legislative priorities such as taxes and housing next session.
“While primary elections often see lower turnout, the results are critical in shaping the candidates and issues that will define the November ballot,” said Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Director of Advocacy & Research at Ohio Realtors.
For real estate professionals and property owners across all regions—including those represented by more than forty thousand members—the outcome holds implications for property taxes, housing supply policies, regulatory frameworks at both state and federal levels according to Ohio Realtors.
As campaigns turn toward November’s general election season—with competitive races anticipated statewide—Ohio Realtors encourages its members to stay informed about candidate positions on real estate issues.
