2018 Statewide Elections Already in Sight

While all eyes are on the 2016 presidential election, it’s not too early for candidate jockeying for Ohio statewide offices which will be contested in 2018.

Journalist Jackie Borchardt of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported this week on the 2018 Ohio governor’s race, profiling aspirants and their visibility throughout the Republican National Convention.

Also this week, the Columbus Dispatch published results from its poll of Ohio’s GOP convention delegates and alternates.  The results suggest Attorney General Mike DeWine enjoys an early advantage in the next race for governor.

For the U.S. Senate contest in 2018, the Dispatch reported:  “The party insiders are mixed on who should represent the party in a probable U.S. Senate matchup with Democrat Sherrod Brown, who is expected to seek a third six-year term in two years.  Treasurer Josh Mandel, who lost to Brown 52 percent to 45 percent in 2012, was preferred by 26 delegates — four more than U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township.”

The Dispatch findings also offer insights into early favorites for state auditor, attorney general, secretary of state, and treasurer.