With Election Day approaching, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) is bringing two of the country’s best-known political analysts to Columbus for a timely look at the races, numbers and voter trends shaping 2026.

Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, will join OMA’s Government Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Sept. 30, to break down the latest polling, voter sentiment and political trends heading into November.

Kondik also brings a distinctly Ohio perspective to the conversation. An Ohio native and graduate of Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, he previously worked in state government and is the author of The Bellwether: Why Ohio Picks the President, an examination of Ohio’s long role in presidential politics.

The next day, NBC News Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki will headline the Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum with the fast-moving, data-driven election analysis that has made his “big board” a fixture of election coverage.

“Kyle knows Ohio politics exceptionally well, and Steve has a remarkable ability to make complicated election data understandable,” said James Lee, managing director of public policy for the OMA. “Having both of them with us just weeks before Election Day gives our members a chance to hear what is really shaping the 2026 races.”

The Annual Forum is Thursday, Oct. 1, at The Grand Event Center in Columbus. Networking begins at 11 a.m., followed by the program from noon to 2 p.m. Forum registration also includes the Sept. 30 welcome reception at Hofbräuhaus Columbus.

With the campaign entering its final stretch, there may not be a better time to hear from two analysts who spend their lives studying where voters are moving and why.

Register now for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Annual Forum. 9/3/2026