Tuesday’s election upended the balance of power in Columbus, and Ohio manufacturers are bracing for the consequences. Democrat Amy Acton’s decisive victory in the governor’s race, combined with the collapse of the Republican supermajority in the Ohio House, gives the incoming administration leverage over decisions affecting electricity costs, business taxes, workforce investments and environmental regulations.

The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) brought together four veteran political strategists Thursday for a special post-election briefing on what drove the Democratic victories and what comes next. To watch the briefing, please enter passcode !OMA110526.

Joe Rettof, Shawn Kasych, Jonathan Varner and Matt Dole examined voter frustration over affordability, Republican campaign missteps and the role of turnout in reshaping Ohio politics. Panelists disagreed on whether the results signal a lasting political realignment, but acknowledged that the next two years will look markedly different at the Statehouse.

The biggest test could come with Ohio’s next two-year budget. Republicans retained their veto-proof majority in the Senate but lost it in the House, leaving Acton with the power to block legislation that previously could have advanced without a governor’s support. Further income tax cuts could face stiff resistance, while new leadership at state regulatory agencies could reshape policies affecting manufacturers. Panelists identified workforce development and economic growth as possible areas of bipartisan cooperation, even as the two parties prepare for difficult negotiations over spending and taxes.

“Republicans still control the legislature, but they no longer get the final word,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services. “That’s a big change in Columbus. The next governor will have real leverage over the state budget, energy policy and the agencies that regulate manufacturers. Anyone expecting business as usual is in for a surprise.” 11/5/2026