Dr. Amy Acton (left), the 2026 Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, and Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy (right), who was officially endorsed as governor by the Ohio Republican Party. (Photos/graphics: WEWS.)
Ohio’s 2026 governor’s race will become one of, if not the most expensive in state history.
Tens of millions of dollars have already been raised to succeed Gov. Mike DeWine, most of it coming from GOP front-runner Vivek Ramaswamy.
Since announcing his campaign a year ago, the Cincinnati businessman said he has raised nearly $20 million. Now joined by his chosen lieutenant governor, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, Republican strategist Bob Clegg said this early in the race, the two are raising the most money he’s ever seen.
“The money usually starts flowing towards whoever people think will win,” Clegg said.
Candidates must file campaign finance reports during the year they run for office. An analysis of Ramaswamy’s campaign finance filings shows that 52% of the nearly $9.8 million he raised during that period came from Ohioans, followed by donors from California, Florida, Texas and New York.
About 94% of these contributions came from individuals, not political action committees (PACs). His average donation was $56.
“Democrats have probably come to terms with the fact that they are going to spend much, much, much more,” Clegg said.
Democratic front-runner Dr. Amy Acton has raised $5.3 million over the past year, a record for her party this early in the race.
Although they are behind in fundraising, her elected lieutenant governor, David Pepper, said they have the muscle that Ramaswamy lacks.
“The best way to grow support to not only win, but also be a good governor, is to act at the grassroots level,” Pepper said.
Unlike Ramaswamy, Acton’s donors were overwhelmingly from Ohio. Of the nearly $4 million raised during the application period, 83% came from Ohioans, with other donors coming from California, New York, Illinois and Massachusetts.
About 95% came from individuals, not PACs, and the average donation was $51.
“Tens of thousands of donors have already given $20 or $30,” Pepper said.
According to documents from the period, Ramaswamy’s team spent money mainly on consultants, mailing and mail delivery, and travel – including leasing a $300,000 private plane.
He also had to return approximately 1,400 contributions totaling more than $230,000 for that period.
Acton spends on digital advertising, direct mail and employee payroll. She had to pay back about 100 premiums, which is the equivalent of about $9,300.
But Clegg says that money will start hitting the airwaves from now on.
Both sides predict even more money will be spent in Ohio, making it one of the most expensive gubernatorial races in the state’s history. The current record holder is DeWine, who raised $24 million during the 2018 gubernatorial race.
While all candidates applying for a management position must submit their paperwork by the end of January, there is another deadline by which the fields may be cleared.
Party candidates must submit 1,000 valid signatures by the end of the day on February 4. If they don’t count, their name won’t be on the main ballot.
Other gubernatorial campaigns
Republican candidate Casey Putsch reported raising over $46,000 with $25,000 on hand.
Republican Heather Hill previously said she might run for another party but later withdrew, but is still listed as an independent on the secretary’s website. She reported that she had collected approximately $26 and the account balance was approximately $3,630.
Tim Grady, who is running as an independent, reported contributions of $515 and a cash balance of about $530.
Republican Philip Funderburg reported no funding, nor did Berlin’s independent king.
Democrat Jacob Chiara did not report. Republican Rebekah Gomez filed no reports. Mike Cole, who is running as an independent, has not filed a report.
Prosecutor
Republican Keith Faber, now state auditor, reported about $510,000 and has $2.4 million in cash.
Democrat John Kulewicz reported $436,000. It has a cash balance of $350,000.
Former Democrat MP Elliot Forhan reported $1,600 and has $2,150 available.
Secretary of State
Republican Treasurer Robert Sprague reported the amount at about $508,000, with the balance at about $1.8 million.
Republican Marcell Strbich reported more than $210,000, including $668,000.
Democratic attorney Allison Russo reported more than $265,000, with a cash balance of about $192,000.
Democrat Bryan Hambley reported about $303,000 and the balance was about $546,000.
Treasurer
Republican state Sen. Kristina Roegner reported an amount of more than $446,000, with a balance of about $2.4 million.
Former Republican Rep. Jay Edwards reported more than $836,000, with a balance of about $1.3 million.
Former Republican Rep. Niraj Antani had not filed any reports by the January deadline. He is still running, but has not answered why he has not filed a campaign finance report.
Democrat Seth Walsh, who just announced his campaign after retaining his seat on the Cincinnati City Council in 2025, was not required to file any applications with the state, he said. He reported nothing.
Auditor
Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose reported more than $400,000, with a balance of about $808,000.
Democrat Annette Blackwell reported nothing when she launched her campaign in mid-January.
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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.
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