Ohio’s 2026 midterm primary has a slate of contested races that, in many cases, likely will decide the general election as well.
Central Ohio voters will cast ballots this year in primary elections for statewide offices, state legislative races, Congress and some local elections. Issues also are on the ballot in many counties.
Technically, the primary races decide only who will move on to the November general election. But Ohio’s state legislative and congressional maps are drawn to favor one party in most districts, making the primary the de facto general election in those areas of the state.
Ohio’s primary election is May 5, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road. In-person early voting begins April 7 and runs until May 3. Ohioans also can vote by mail before Election Day.
If you live in Franklin County, you can view your sample ballot by plugging in some personal information at the board of elections website. Delaware County voters can see what’s on their ballots as well.
The Dispatch has assembled a guide for contested races in Franklin County and some select contests in Delaware County. Links to the responses from candidates in those races can be found below.
Please note: This story will be updated as additional voter guide files are published. Only contested races were included in this voter guide.
Statewide contested races
Franklin County contested races
U.S. House of Representatives
Ohio Senate
Ohio House
Delaware County contested races
U.S. House of Representatives
Commissioner
Ohio Senate
Ohio House
Issues
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Meet the candidates on your ballot for the 2026 primary election
Reporting by Rick Rouan, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
