Ohio Voters Will Choose New Secretary of State in 2026
Robert Sprague, Allison Russo, and Tom Pruss will compete for the office on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Elections
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Should voter identification requirements be enshrined in the state constitution?
Ohio voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect a new secretary of state. The race features candidates Robert Sprague, Allison Russo, and Tom Pruss vying to replace term-limited incumbent Frank LaRose.
Why it matters
The office oversees boards in all 88 Ohio counties and holds a crucial seat on the seven-member Ohio Redistricting Commission. Republicans have held this position continuously since 2011, making the seat a primary focus for state party control.
The secretary of state manages elections across 88 county boards and serves as one of seven members on the Ohio Redistricting Commission. Candidates must navigate these administrative duties while addressing proposals like Issue 3, which seeks to codify voter ID rules.
The players
Robert Sprague
He is the current Ohio state treasurer who is seeking to move into the secretary of state role.
Allison Russo
She is an active member of the Ohio House who is campaigning for the secretary of state position.
Tom Pruss
He is a printing business owner who is running for office after his 2024 congressional campaign.
Frank LaRose
He is the term-limited incumbent secretary of state currently holding the office.
The details
Robert Sprague currently serves as state treasurer, while Allison Russo is a member of the Ohio House. Businessman Tom Pruss joins them in the contest to lead the office that has remained under Republican leadership for over a decade.
Timeline
Republicans have controlled the secretary of state office since 2011.
Robert Sprague and Allison Russo began their current state roles in 2019.
Allison Russo approved current legislative maps in 2023.
Tom Pruss ran for the 9th Congressional District in 2024.
Ohio voters will choose the next secretary of state on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opposition leaders and party critics emphasize that the secretary of state's seat on the Ohio Redistricting Commission is the primary lever for statewide power. This contest represents a focal point for those seeking to challenge the decade-long Republican hold on the office.
The next secretary of state will directly oversee local election administration and voter identification procedures across all 88 counties. Changes implemented by the office holder could impact how residents cast ballots and confirm their identities during state elections.
The takeaway
The upcoming 2026 election will determine the leadership of a key office that shapes both election integrity and legislative mapping. Voters should track how candidates address administrative changes to county election boards as the primary date approaches.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming races, visit the Ohio Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC4i.
Live Poll
Should voter identification requirements be enshrined in the state constitution?
