Balance of Power: The Politics, Policies and People

2018 is a big election year in Ohio. There are five statewide offices, all currently held by Republicans that are up for grabs, including governor. Ohio's lone statewide elected Democrat, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is up for reelection. There are two open U.S. House seats, including one in Northeast Ohio. And then, there's statewide legislative races and the possibility Ohio residents will be facing two ballot questions on how the state draws its congressional districts.

Stay connected with the latest on politics, policies and people making the decisions at all levels affecting your lives.

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Green Party Candidate Joins Race for Governor

By Jo Ingles • Feb 3, 2018

photo of Gadell Newton and Brett Joseph — JO INGLES / STATEHOUSE NEWS BUREAU

Green Party Candidate Constance Gadell Newton has joined Republican Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and former Democratic State Representative Connie Pillich as the only women in the Ohio governor's race.

Ohio Statewide Races are Getting National Attention

By Karen Kasler • Jan 22, 2018

photo of Kyle Kondik — THE STATE OF OHIO

History suggests that the party not represented in the White House does well in midterm Congressional elections – and this year Ohio’s five executive offices, including governor, are also on the ballot, along with U.S. Senate. It's likely these races will get a lot of national attention.

Pillich Chooses Running Mate

By Jo Ingles • Jan 19, 2018

A photo of Scott Shertzer — CONNIE PILLICH CAMPAIGN / CONNIE PILLICH CAMPAIGN

Four of the five Democratic gubernatorial candidates in this May’s primary have announced their running mates, with Connie Pillich making known her choice Thursday.

Pillich chose Scott Schertzer, the Mayor of Marion and Ohio Municipal League President, as her potential lieutenant governor. Schertzer says he and Pillich have something in common.

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley Ends Her Campaign for Governor, Endorses Cordray

By Andy Chow • Jan 12, 2018

This week has been one long series of candidate shuffling, as Democratic and Republican contenders for governor have either joined forces with other candidates or moved to another race. One candidate has now dropped out completely.

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley is ending her campaign and throwing her support behind Rich Cordray.

At White House Urging, Renacci Moves from the Gubernatorial to the U.S. Senate race

By Jo Ingles • Jan 11, 2018

photo of Jim Renacci — ANDY CHOW / STATEHOUSE NEWS BUREAU

Ohio Republican Congressman Jim Renacci has switched his political sights from Ohio governor to the U.S. Senate.

Treasurer Josh Mandel had planned a rematch of his 2012 run against Brown. But he announced last week that he was giving up the race because of his wife's health. That led to speculation that one or more in the crowded GOP field for governor would decide on a Senate run instead. Earlier this week, Congressman Jim Renacci told Cleveland radio station WTAM he was considering the switch.