BY JEFF SKINNER

STATEWIDE- The race for the Governor’s chair in Ohio is already heating up as potential candidates from the state administration are making their moves early.

Sources close to the potential candidates have confirmed that Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted and State Treasurer Robert Sprague are both preparing for a run for Governor of Ohio.

Husted is currently serving as the state’s Lieutenant Governor within Mike DeWine’s current administration. According to some critics of the administration, Husted may be facing an uphill battle for the seat from needing to differentiate himself from the current administration. DeWine’s administration has been criticized by small business leaders and others for Ohio’s slow rollback of the lockdown restrictions of 2020, which damaged the local economy from manufacturing to restaurants. While Husted has been known to attempt to separate himself from the Governor’s unpopular policies surrounding covid, he may be quick to take credit for its perceived successes, such as reopening sporting events.

While other outlets have reported on Husted’s campaign finance paperwork as early February 22, Husted has been careful to not announce anything officially or publicly. Sources with knowledge of the issue have confirmed that Husted is all but solidifying his run within private conversations and currently attempting to solidify support among relevant groups.

In addition to Husted, sources have confirmed that Robert Sprague is also planning his run for the Governorship as well. Sprague is currently serving as the state’s treasurer but has served in the general assembly as a representative from 2011 – 2018. Some have said that Sprague may be considered the underdog candidate in the 2026 race among potential power players. His previous voting record has put an emphasis on tackling issues surrounding developmental disabilities and addiction. During his time in the general assembly, Sprague sponsored legislation which increased the total deposits the state can make for agriculture and increased maximum loan amounts for agri-businesses.

With two years still remaining in the upcoming battle for Ohio’s leadership, it is still anyone’s game, but The Ohio Roundtable will continue to bring cutting edge information to readers statewide as the race draws nearer.