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April 24, 2026

Federal Legislative Updates
Ohio Legislative Updates
G2G Blog

Ohio Legislative Update

Last Updated: April 24, 2026

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Introduction

The Ohio General Assembly remains on its scheduled spring recess and is expected to reconvene following the May 5 primary election. While legislative activity is temporarily paused, attention has shifted toward a series of highly competitive primary contests that will shape both the composition of the legislature and the broader political landscape heading into the general election. Several of these primaries, particularly across targeted Ohio House districts, are expected to be tightly contested and will serve as early indicators of candidate strength, party messaging, and voter engagement. At the top of the ticket, both the Governor’s race and U.S. Senate race are shaping up to be closely contested, with increased fundraising, outside spending, and early polling pointing to competitive environments. Upon their return after the primary, lawmakers are expected to move quickly with a compressed legislative window, with a focus on passing the state capital budget. See below for more on the upcoming primary and what we can expect when the legislature returns in May.

Ohio Statehouse Legislation to Watch

Senate Bill 328

Sponsored by State Sen. Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield), the Education and Workforce ROI Initiative received its 5th hearing in the Senate Education Committee. The bill has received broad support from schools, businesses, workforce organizations, and education advocates, underscoring a growing consensus around aligning education outcomes with workforce demand.

 

Senate Bill 396

Sponsored by State Sen. Lou Blessing (R-Colerain Twp) and State Sen. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) will establish family and medical leave insurance benefits. Some highlights of the bill include:

  • Establishing a 0.4% payroll tax, split by workers and employers.It'd amount to 40-cents per $100 in pay.
  • Exempt employers with fewer than 15 workers. Freelancers and independent contractors could opt
  • Allow workers to take off up to14 weeks per qualifying event and up to 18 weeks per year.
  • Pay the workers 85% of their pay, which would be capped at $100,000.
  • Protect workers who take paid leave from retaliation or

The bill is currently in the Ohio Senate Financial Institutions, Insurance, and Technology Committee, and will receive sponsored testimony soon.

 

Ohio Nursing Home Lawsuit

A key fiscal issues still looming over the state, especially as Capital Budget negotiations continue, is the Ohio Supreme Court ruling on Medicaid nursing home quality incentive payments, which determined that the state improperly withheld funds from providers. As a result, Ohio still faces a potential payout to these providers which could amount up to $1 billion dollars. This exposure will have downward pressure on available discretionary funding, including resources typically allocated to the Capital Budget. Lawmakers are still trying to estimate the impact and what it would mean for future spending that they would like to do, but the expectation is that future spending, including the Capital Budget, will be significantly reduced.

Capital Budget Outlook

One of the most significant items expected to move upon the legislature’s return is the state capital budget. As a reminder, the capital budget is pre-negotiated and advances quickly once introduced, with limited opportunity for amendments. Community project requests have already been submitted and are actively being negotiated with leadership in the Ohio House and Ohio Senate. Current expectations are that the bill’s timelines will accelerate toward passage before the summer recess. As in prior cycles, inclusion in the introduced version will be critical. G2G is actively tracking developments and is engaged with legislative offices to discuss priorities.

Ohio Elections

With the May 5 primary approaching, Ohio’s political environment is rapidly intensifying across federal, statewide, and legislative races.

 

U.S. Senate

This race is drawing significant national attention. The Senate Republican-aligned PAC has committed approximately $79 million to defend Sen. Husted (R-OH), underscoring the importance of the seat. Prior to this investment, former Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) had been outpacing Husted in fundraising, highlighting the early competitiveness. Recent polling from Bowling Green State University indicates Husted holding a slight lead over Brown, however, with President Trump’s deteriorating favorability, Republicans across the state are expected to lose more support as voters look for alternatives.

 

Governor

The same Bowling Green State poll shows a statistical tie between Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton, reinforcing expectations of a closely contested statewide race. Notably, the polling also suggests potential fracturing with Republican voters, with some voters indicating they may choose to stay home, write in Casey Putsch, or support Acton, if Ramaswamy secures the Republican nomination. This dynamic could have meaningful implications for turnout and general election outcomes.

 

U.S. House of Representatives 

District 3 — Long time Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3) does not have a notable Republican challenger and is projected to win her seat by a safe margin.

District 5 — In Northwest Ohio, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-5) is facing a crowded Democratic primary, with four candidates seeking to challenge him in a district his family has held for nearly 50 years. Latta enters the race with over $1 million in campaign funds, while his challengers have reported minimal fundraising activity. Of the four Democratic candidates, only Daniel Burket has reported raising funds, totaling $640.75.

The Democratic candidates include:

  • Brian Shaver, Fostoria City Council President
  • MartinHerberling, middle school teacher from Lorain
  • Daniel Burket, Findlay restaurant owner
  • Scott Tabor, retired member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 33

While this is a very crowded Democratic Primary, this Congressional seat is listed as a safe Republican seat and is likely to not be competitive.

District 7 — In the 7th Congressional District which includes Medina, Wayne, and portions of Cuyahoga, and Holmes counties, there is a competitive Democratic primary with the winner facing Congressman Max Miller (R-OH-7). The field of Democrats include:

  • John Butchko who is a pastor
  • Ann Marie Donegan who is a registered nurse and healthcare executive
  • Michael Eisner who is an attorney
  • Ed Fitzgerald who is the former Mayor of Lakewood and former Cuyahoga County Executive
  • Keith Mundy who owned CourtDelivery.com in Cleveland, Ohio, serving legal clients throughout Ohio and the United States
  • Brian Poindexter who is a union ironworker andBrook Park City Councilman
  • Laura Rodriguez-Carbone who has worked formultiple federal agencies, like the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, and the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
  • Scott Schultz who is a higher education administrator and has worked at universities like Penn State and USC

This Congressional District has become more Republican due to the recent redistricting, but with President Trump’s dipping approval, and much of this district including the suburbs of Cleveland, this could be more competitive and a race to watch.

District 9 — There is currently a closely contested primary in Ohio’s 9th Congressional district which includes Toledo and Northwest Ohio. There is a 5-way Republican primary with the winner facing Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9) who has held the seat since 1983. The Republicans running include:

  • State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania)
  • Former State Rep. Derrick Merrin who ran against Kaptur in 2024and lost by less than 2500 votes
  • Alea Nadeem who is a military officer in the Air Force
  • Madison Sheahan who served has Deputy Director of ICE
  • AnthonyCampbell has an extensive history in the medical field including working for CareSource and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

This race is listed as a toss-up, and will be one of the most competitive general election races nationwide. Derek Merrin currently leads in the Republican Primary, but with so many undecided voters, any candidate could come out on top.

District 11 — Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) does not have any notable Republican challengers and is projected to win her seat by a safe margin.

District 15 — Congressman Mike Carey (R-OH-15) will face the winner of the Democratic Primary, which features former State Rep. Adam Miller, and Don Leonard, who is an educator at Ohio State University. This district is likely to stay Republican, but with large suburban areas in the district, it could become more competitive this election cycle.

 

Ohio House of Representatives

There are also several competitive state legislature primaries developing ahead of May 5:

Ohio House District 7: This is a crowded Democratic Primary including Zach Rossfeld, Michaela Burris, and Ukeme Jeter. The winner of this primary will replace former Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington).

Ohio House District 12: Finance Chair State Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) is facing a primary opponent in Patty Hamilton. This was a surprisingly close primary race last election cycle and will be one to keep an eye on.

Ohio House District 31: This Republican Primary will feature Mike Kahoe, who was on the Revere School Board, and Stephanie Stock, who is the President of the Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom. The winner of this race will face J. Noah Spinner, who is a Democrat running in a seat that Former Vice President Kamala Harris won in 2024.

Ohio House District 48: This crowded primary includes:

  • Former State Rep. Christina Hagan, who isattempting a political comeback
  • Sue Grabowski who is a trustee for Lake Township and Malone University
  • Ed Lohnes who is an Alliance City Councilman
  • Greg Wolfe who is the Vice President, Stark County Educational Service Center

The winner of this primary will likely replace outgoing and longtime Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton).

House District 60: State Rep. Brian Lorenz (R-Powell) is facing a primary challenge from Peggy Guzzo and faces a potential challenge from Shelby Kimball or Eli Wenzel in the Democratic Primary. This seat has continued to garner interest from Republicans and Democrats has it has high population growth and will get more competitive.

Ohio House District 61: State Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware) is running against former State Rep. Shawn Stevens (R-Sunbury) to replace State Rep. Beth Lear (R-Galena).

Ohio House District 62: This primary features State Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland), and Dillon Blevins who ran against her last election cycle. This race was incredibly close last election cycle and one to keep an eye on.

Ohio House District 93: Former Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) is facing Larry Kidd who ran for Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District that was open following the departure of former Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH-2). Kidd finished 3rd in the GOP Primary last year for that seat.

 

Ohio Senate
Ohio Senate District 1: State Rep. Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon) is running against former State Rep. Craig Reidl to replace Senate President Rob McColley who was tapped to be Vivek Ramaswamy’s running mate.

Ohio Senate District 19: State Rep. Beth Lear (R-Galena) is facing Ryan Rivers in a highly contested contest to replace State Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware).

Ohio Senate District 25: State Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) is facing a primary challenge from Jesse Baker who is running as a “Progressive Democrat”. This seat is rated as solidly Democrat, so the winner of this primary will win the general election.

G2G at Ohio Events

Ohio Lobbying Association hosts Democratic and Republican Party Chairs

G2G attended both events this month to gain insights on upcoming primaries. Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde ‘s discussion focused on party strategy and messaging ahead of 2026. The Chairwoman feels very confident that the Ohio Democratic can win the Gubernatorial and Senate election, as well as pick up 6 statehouse seats to break the GOP supermajority in the Statehouse. Specific counties she is targeting to pick up these 6 statehouse seats include, Delaware, Montgomery, Summit, Stark, and Lucas. While there are some potential flips in Franklin, Cuyahoga, and Hamilton County, Ohio Democrats are almost at their limit in how many more seats they would be able to pick up from these very Democratic leaning counties.

Ohio Republican Party Chair Alex Triantafilou focused his message on turnout and getting Republicans to the polls. His is aware of how close the Senate and Gubernatorial elections are but feels confident Republicans will win both of those races as long as there are no turnout issues for Republican voters. He also mentioned the top issues facing Ohioans right now include inflation, the economy, crime, and property taxes. He is focused on helping candidates with messaging to address these concerns.

 

Black Maternal Health Caucus Summit

Black Maternal Health Week is celebrated April 11th – 17th. The Second Annual Black Maternal Health Summit brought together a diverse group of policymakers, healthcare leaders, and community advocates to address disparities in maternal health across Ohio. The event opened with remarks from Senators Catherine D. Ingram and Paula Hicks-Hudson, who set the tone by emphasizing the urgency of advancing equitable maternal health outcomes.

The Agency Panel, moderated by Angela Dawson of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, featured state leaders including Allison Payten (Department of Children and Youth), Bridget Harrison (Department of Medicaid), and Anna Foster (Ohio Board of Nursing), who discussed state-level strategies, policy implementation, and system coordination to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

The Provider Panel, moderated by Hailee Childs, highlighted on-the-ground perspectives from healthcare and community organizations. Speakers included Dána M. Langford (Village of Healing), Danielle Tong (CelebrateOne), Tonya Hurst (TriHealth), and Tonae Bolton (Birthing Beautiful Communities), who shared insights on culturally competent care, community-based models, and improving access to services for Black mothers and families.

Former State Representative Janine Boyd delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the progress made since the founding of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and outlining continued efforts to combat racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

The summit also included a data-focused presentation from March of Dimes, Groundwork Ohio, and bi3, providing evidence-based insights to inform policy and programmatic solutions. The event concluded with closing remarks from Senators Ingram and Hicks-Hudson, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing maternal health equity across Ohio.

 

Federal Update

At the federal level, Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) has been named to the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, a key development for organizations seeking federal funding support and a win for Ohioans to have an appropriator from our state. This position will play an important role in shaping the FY27 appropriations and Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests. G2G has been actively engaged with Sen. Jon Husted’s federal and state teams to discuss priorities.