What's on the Ohio ballot for the May 5 primary election?

Ohio voters head to the polls May 5 for a primary election packed with high-stakes statewide races, including contests for governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general, treasurer, secretary of state, and the state Supreme Court.

The Republican gubernatorial primary features biotech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, who secured early endorsements from President Trump and the Ohio Republican Party, effectively clearing the field. His only challenger is Casey Putsch, a northwest Ohio business owner. The winner faces Democrat Dr. Amy Acton, the former state health director, in November.

In the U.S. Senate Democratic primary, former Senator Sherrod Brown seeks a return to Washington after losing his seat to Republican Bernie Moreno in 2024. Brown faces political newcomer Ronald Kincaid. The winner takes on appointed Senator Jon Husted in what the Cook Political Report recently shifted from "leaning Republican" to a toss-up — a race that could determine Senate control.

Other key races include the attorney general contest to replace term-limited Dave Yost, a crowded Republican treasurer primary featuring dueling endorsements from JD Vance and Ramaswamy, and primaries for secretary of state and an Ohio Supreme Court seat currently held by the only Democrat in statewide office.

**What This Means For You:** Ohio's primary will set the stage for November elections that could reshape the state's leadership from top to bottom. If you're an Ohio voter, research your ballot now — early voting is already underway. The Senate race in particular has national implications for which party controls the upper chamber.