Vote Baby Vote: A Look at Ohio's 2026 Midterm Election Recap
Ohio voters headed to the polls on November 3, electing new statewide leaders and determining the makeup of the Ohio General Assembly and congressional delegation. Here is a look at some of the key results from the 2026 midterm election.
Statewide Leadership
Dr. Amy Acton (D) was elected Ohio's next governor, defeating Vivek Ramaswamy (R) with approximately 52% of the vote to his 44%. Acton will become Ohio's first woman elected governor and the state's first elected Democratic governor in 20 years when she takes office in January 2027. David Pepper (D) will serve as lieutenant governor.
Other statewide election results include:
Attorney General: John Kulewicz (D)
Secretary of State: Allison Russo (D)
Auditor of State: Frank LaRose (R)
Treasurer of State: Seth Walsh (D)
Ohio General Assembly
Republicans will retain control of both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly, although the balance of seats will shift.
In the Ohio House of Representatives, unofficial results indicate approximately 56 Republicans and 43 Democrats, compared to the previous 65–34 Republican majority. This change would end the Republican three-fifths supermajority in the House.
Republicans will also retain control of the Ohio Senate and maintain their supermajority, although Democrats gained seats in Senate Districts 3 and 27.
Several House races remain close, with final results subject to certification and potential recounts.
Congressional Delegation
Ohio's congressional delegation will also see changes following the election. According to the initial results:
U.S. Senate: Sherrod Brown (D) defeated incumbent Jon Husted (R).
Congressional District 7: Brian Poindexter (D) defeated incumbent Max Miller (R).
Congressional District 9: Marcy Kaptur (D) retained her seat.
Congressional District 10: Kristina Knickerbocker (D) defeated incumbent Mike Turner (R).
Congressional District 14: David Joyce (R) retained his seat.
Congressional District 15: Don Leonard (D) defeated incumbent Mike Carey (R).
Local Levy Results
Local levies supporting developmental disabilities, children's services, mental health and recovery, public health, and health and human services were on the ballot across 35 Ohio counties.
According to the initial results, 21 of these health and human services levies passed, 10 failed, and four were awaiting confirmation as of Thursday, November 5.
As Ohio prepares for a new administration and the 2027 state budget process, Groundwork Ohio will continue sharing updates on developments affecting young children and families across the state.
