Ohio Voters to Decide State and Senate Seats

Ohioans head to the polls on November 3 to fill key executive roles and a vacant U.S. Senate seat.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a silhouette of a state capitol dome against a deep red background. — Ohio voters head to the polls on November 3 to fill six executive roles and a vacant U.S. Senate seat. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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On November 3, 2026, Ohio voters will cast ballots in elections for six state executive offices and a special U.S. Senate race. The senate contest follows the vacancy created by J.D. Vance's appointment as vice president.

Why it matters

These elections are critical as they address vacancies and term limits that are reshaping the state's leadership. The outcome of the special senate election will determine who serves the remainder of J.D. Vance's term before the seat is up for a full cycle in 2028.

The winners of these state executive and special senate primaries secured their spots with majorities ranging from 53.1% for Jay Edwards to 89.4% for Sherrod Brown. The final election results are pending the conclusion of the November 3 voting period.

The players

Vivek Ramaswamy

He is a candidate for governor of Ohio who previously ran for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

Mike DeWine

He is the current Governor of Ohio and is ineligible to run for a third consecutive term.

Jon Husted

He is the incumbent U.S. Senator currently serving in the seat designated for the special election.

Sherrod Brown

He is a candidate for the U.S. Senate special election in Ohio.

J.D. Vance

He is the current Vice President of the United States whose vacated senate seat triggered the special election.

The details

The gubernatorial race features Vivek Ramaswamy, Amy Acton, and Don Kissick, as incumbent Governor Mike DeWine is ineligible for a third term. Candidates for other offices include John Kulewicz and Keith Faber for attorney general, along with contenders for the secretary of state, auditor, and treasurer positions.

Jan. 17, 2025: Jon Husted was appointed to the U.S. Senate.
June 7, 2026: Dave Yost resigned as attorney general.
2026: Ohio state executive and senate special elections occur.
Nov. 3, 2026: Official election day.
2028: Full six-year U.S. Senate term election.

Political Context

The gubernatorial race follows Ohio constitutional term limits, which prevent Governor Mike DeWine from seeking a third consecutive term. This structural constraint forces an open contest and a shift in state executive leadership.

These elections will determine the officials responsible for managing state agencies and the specific legislative representative for Ohio in the U.S. Senate. The outcomes will directly influence state policy direction and federal representation for the next two years.

The takeaway

Voters are encouraged to review the platforms of the candidates competing for these six executive offices and the senate seat. Understanding the unique requirements of the special election ensures residents are prepared for their role in the upcoming transition of power.

What happens next

The winner of the senate special election will serve the remaining two years of the current term and will be eligible to run for a full six-year term in 2028.