Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who was previously a leading candidate for governor in 2026, is headed to the U.S. Senate. Here’s who’s throwing in the hat in the race for the next leader of the Buckeye State.
Attorney General Dave Yost, who has almost formally announced his candidacy for governor, congratulated LG on his Senate nomination.
“Congratulations to Senator @JonHusted!” Yost posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I wish him every success in serving our nation.”
This was likely welcome news for his campaign because – at this point – Husted was one of the biggest obstacles.
“Over the past few months, we have seen a surge in support for Attorney General Yost’s candidacy for governor,” said Yost campaign spokeswoman Amy Natoce. “He has dedicated his career in public service to improving the lives of Ohio families and protecting their interests. He will formally announce his candidacy for governor in late February and looks forward to sharing his vision for Ohio’s future.”
Yost is also a longtime politician, starting behind the scenes and then serving as Delaware County auditor and then prosecutor. Before becoming AG, he was a state auditor.
In a recent post, Yost shared a video of his campaign standing outside the governor’s office at the Statehouse.
But on Friday afternoon, a recent situation emerged. Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, who was one of the leading candidates for the Senate seat, has just filed paperwork confirming his intention to run for governor.
“Ohio was built for more. It’s time for hard-working Ohioans to keep what they earn, end government waste and create real opportunity through good jobs. I will continue to fight to reform a broken system, protect our freedoms, and make Ohio the economic powerhouse of the Midwest,” Sprague wrote in X. “The people of this state deserve bold, proven leadership, and I look forward to sharing my vision for Ohio in the coming weeks “
Sprague has been working in politics for years. He previously served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing parts of northwest Ohio. He previously served as Findlay’s auditor and treasurer.
“It’s been almost 20 years since Ohio could count on two conservative Republicans in the Senate,” Sprague wrote on X. “Congratulations @JonHusted on your nomination – we know you’ll make us proud.”
Entrepreneur and chairman of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency Vivek Ramaswamy has also shown interest in running for governor. He hasn’t submitted any forms yet.
We spoke with Ramaswamy just before the announcement of his nomination to the Trump administration.
He avoided trying to determine whether he wanted to run for governor. He grew up as an entrepreneur who founded a pharmaceutical company and an investment firm.
“I want to think about the broadest and best possible way to use this skill set as an outsider to hopefully transform this country,” he said. “Of course, I care very much about the state. Ohio’s future is also important to me.”
Former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton has put her name on the line to become the Democratic nominee.
“I’m running for governor because I’ve spent my life helping people, not playing politics. “Ohio deserves leaders who listen, solve problems and put people first,” Acton wrote in X.
Here are others who have a nomination for treasurer indicating they want to run for governor:
- Former Republican congressman Jim Renacci
- Republican Jeremiah Workman, former running mate of Joe Blystone
- Republican Mary Taylor, former LG from Ohio
- Democrat Ed FitzGerald, former Cuyahoga County executive
- Heather Hill, Republican
- Marshall James Usher, Independent
- Raymond Howard Metzger, Republican
This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and are published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication on other news outlets because it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.
Follow WEWS House of Representatives reporter Morgan Trau on X AND Facebook.
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