The Ohio Republican Party’s (ORP) state central committee voted on endorsements across statewide and legislative races ahead of the May primary, backing candidates in dozens of contests while leaving several high-profile legislative primaries without a party pick. Rep. Beth Lear did not receive the party’s endorsement in her Ohio Senate race. Sen. Andrew Brenner and Rep. Ron Ferguson also went without endorsements in their respective House contests, including Ferguson’s matchup against former Sen. Frank Hoagland. In another race, the committee endorsed Larry Kidd, a challenger to Rep. Jason Stephens. Rep. Rodney Creech secured the party’s backing for re-election as he faces former Rep. Jay Todd-Smith.

The committee’s actions in statewide races drew the most attention. Members endorsed Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague in the contested secretary of state primary, defeating Marcell Strbich in a secret-ballot vote. Meanwhile, the party declined to endorse in the Republican treasurer primary after a 36-28 vote, according to Signal Ohio, fell short of the supermajority required under party rules. The outcome became an early signal of shifting alliances within the state party. GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy backed Sen. Kristina Roegner, and Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman also pushed for her candidacy, while Vice President J.D. Vance supported former Rep. Jay Edwards, reflecting multiple power centers within the state party as the 2026 cycle takes shape. In uncontested races, members unanimously endorsed Secretary of State Frank LaRose in his bid for auditor and Auditor Keith Faber in his campaign for attorney general.

Democrats have not announced a comparable round of legislative or statewide primary endorsements.

“Campaign season always brings surprises,” said Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger. “The real question for manufacturers is what happens after the yard signs come down.” 2/26/2026