Democrats

Nan Whaley, 46, is the former mayor of Dayton, OH, a position she held from 2014–22. During that time she oversaw the city’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies, the fallout from a series of tornadoes in 2019, and the response to a mass shooting, after which she gained national prominence. Her platform includes a jobs plan, investment in clean energy, and defense of abortion rights. She is also invested in decreasing corruption in state government after the $61 million FirstEnergy bribery scandal. Whaley is running alongside Lt. Gov. Candidate Cheryl Stephens.

John Cranley, 48, served as mayor of Cincinnati, OH from 2013–22 and is running alongside State Senator Teresa Fedor. As mayor, Cranley achieved police reform and poverty reduction and focused on reducing Cincinnati’s carbon footprint. Cranley also cofounded the Ohio Innocence Project in 2002, which has used DNA technology to exonerate and free people wrongfully convicted of crimes. According to his campaign website, his platform includes rebuilding roads and bridges, expanding broadband access, creating jobs, and legalizing marijuana.

Governor Mike DeWine, 75, is seeking reelection for a second term. Elected in 2018, DeWine oversaw the state’s COVID-19 response, which has drawn scrutiny from both parties. He is running alongside Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. “Guided by his family and faith, Mike has governed as a compassionate conservative,” his campaign’s website states. “He knows that when families are strong, Ohio communities are stronger — and our future is bright!”

Jim Renacci, 63, served as mayor of Wadsworth, OH from 2004–08 and as a U.S. representative for Ohio’s 16th district from 2011–19. In Congress, Renacci served on the United States House Budget Committee. On his campaign website, Renacci’s political positions are described as “pro-life,” “pro-Second Amendment,” and “pro- border security.” His campaign website also states that he does not support critical race theory, transgender men competing in women’s sports, or mandated masks and vaccines. He is running alongside Lt. Gov. candidate Joe Knopp.