If you’ve been scouring the internet trying to figure out who is running for governor of ohio in 2024, I’ve got some news that might be a little jarring. Honestly, nobody is running. Not this year.
It’s one of those weird quirks of political cycles that catches people off guard every time. We are currently in the middle of a massive presidential election year, but in Ohio, the Governor’s mansion isn't up for grabs yet. Mike DeWine is still sitting in the big chair in Columbus, and he isn't going anywhere until early 2027.
Basically, Ohio picks its governors during "midterm" years. While the rest of the country is arguing over the White House right now, Ohio’s state leadership is already looking ahead to the 2026 cycle. If you were hoping to cast a ballot for a new governor this November, you’ve got a bit of a wait ahead of you.
The 2024 Confusion: Why Everyone Is Searching for This
It makes sense why people are confused. Everything feels like an election right now. You can’t turn on the TV without seeing a campaign ad, and Ohio is always a battleground for something. But the reality is that the term for an Ohio governor is four years, and we just did this dance in 2022.
Mike DeWine won that race pretty handily against Nan Whaley. Because of Ohio's term limit laws, DeWine is currently serving his second consecutive term. He can’t run again in 2026, which means the next race is going to be a wide-open, "everyone and their brother" kind of situation.
So, while there are no candidates for who is running for governor of ohio in 2024, the shadow campaign for 2026 is already moving at light speed. The big names are already starting to clear their throats and raise some serious cash.
The Real Players Getting Ready for 2026
Since we know the 2024 slot is empty, let’s look at who is actually positioning themselves for the next time the seat opens up. It’s kinda like watching a game of musical chairs before the music even starts.
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The Republican Heavyweights
On the GOP side, things are going to be a bloodbath. You’ve got Vivek Ramaswamy, the tech entrepreneur who made a splash in the 2024 presidential primaries. He has recently been very vocal about Ohio's future, and many insiders expect him to make a play for the Governor’s office. He recently teamed up with State Senate President Rob McColley as a potential running mate, signaling that he’s serious about a state-level run.
Then there's the state establishment. Jon Husted, the current Lieutenant Governor, has been the "heir apparent" for a long time. He’s got the name recognition and the backing of the DeWine machine. You also have to keep an eye on Dave Yost, the Attorney General, though he has fluctuated on his plans.
The Democratic Contenders
Democrats are looking for a spark. The most talked-about name is undoubtedly Dr. Amy Acton. You remember her—she was the face of the early COVID-19 response in Ohio. She has a massive following and recently announced David Pepper, the former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, as her running mate for a 2026 bid.
Dr. Acton brings a non-politician vibe that tends to play well in Ohio, though she’ll face a steep climb in a state that has trended significantly toward the GOP in recent years.
What You Should Watch For Right Now
Even though you aren't voting for governor this year, the 2024 election results will dictate exactly how the 2026 race looks. Politics is just one long domino effect.
- The Trump Factor: Ohio went heavily for Donald Trump in 2024. The margin of that victory tells prospective governors how much they need to align themselves with the MAGA movement to win a primary.
- Fundraising Deadlines: Candidates are already filing paperwork. Watch the campaign finance reports that come out at the end of this year. Money usually tells you who is actually running before they ever say the words out loud.
- Legislative Moves: Pay attention to what’s happening in the Ohio Statehouse. Potential candidates like Rob McColley or Matt Huffman are using their current positions to pass "signature" legislation they can brag about on the campaign trail later.
Final Word on the Ohio Governor Race
It’s easy to get lost in the 24-hour news cycle, but for the question of who is running for governor of ohio in 2024, the answer remains: no one. The seat is filled. The next opportunity to change the guard in Columbus happens on November 3, 2026.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, start looking at the 2026 primary field. The filing deadline is in February 2026, so the "official" list will be set much sooner than you think. For now, keep an eye on Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton—they are the ones currently sucking the oxygen out of the room.
Your next steps for staying informed:
Check the Ohio Secretary of State's official website periodically for "Intent to Run" filings. If you're a registered voter, make sure your address is updated before the 2024 presidential election so you're ready for the 2026 gubernatorial primaries.