Cutrona, Kripchak to Compete for Ohio Senate Seat
Republican incumbent Al Cutrona and Democrat Michael Kripchak will face off for the 33rd District seat in 2026.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Elections
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Republican incumbent Al Cutrona and Democratic challenger Michael Kripchak are set to compete for the Ohio 33rd Senate District seat in the 2026 election. The contest will determine who holds the position for the upcoming term.
Why it matters
The race for the 33rd Senate District seat in Ohio serves as a key indicator of party competition within the state legislature. This election is a decisive moment for both the incumbent and the challenger to secure voter support in the district.
The upcoming 2026 election will determine the occupant of the Ohio 33rd Senate District seat. The race represents the formal contest for this specific legislative position.
The players
Al Cutrona
He is the Republican incumbent for the Ohio 33rd Senate District and an attorney who previously served as a state representative.
Michael Kripchak
He is the Democratic challenger who teaches math and previously worked as an Air Force scientist and researcher.
The details
Al Cutrona, an attorney and former state representative, currently holds the seat following his 2024 appointment. His challenger, Michael Kripchak, is a former Air Force scientist and researcher who previously campaigned for a U.S. House seat in 2024.
Timeline
Al Cutrona was appointed to the 33rd District seat in 2024.
Michael Kripchak ran for a U.S. House seat in 2024.
The election for the 33rd Senate District seat is scheduled for 2026.
Political Context
Opposition parties often focus on challenging appointed incumbents to shift the balance of power within the state legislature. This race highlights the persistent efforts by the Democratic Party to gain a foothold in traditionally Republican-leaning legislative districts.
The outcome of this senate race will influence the legislative agenda affecting local taxes, state infrastructure projects, and education policies across the district. Residents can expect the election to define the representation of their community interests in the Ohio Senate.
The takeaway
Voters in the 33rd District will have the opportunity to weigh the legislative experience of the appointed incumbent against the background of the challenger. Evaluating candidate records and platform priorities will be essential for voters before the 2026 election cycle.
Further reading
For more background on state contests, visit the Ohio Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBN.
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Do you feel the candidates for your district's state senate seat are addressing the right issues?
