COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose officially announced his candidacy for the position of state auditor in 2026, marking his transition within the landscape of high-ranking Ohio Republicans, who have recently engaged in a series of political realignments. With term limits barring him from another term as elections chief, LaRose, 45, previously sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate last year but was unsuccessful in the three-way primary against the GOP's Bernie Moreno. Moreno subsequently won the general election against incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown in November.
In a statement attributed to him, LaRose emphasized his commitment to public service, reflecting on the encouragement he has received from constituents across Ohio to pursue what he describes as an “important office.” He expressed confidence in his qualifications, stating that in his upcoming role as auditor of state, he aims to apply the same principles of transparency, efficiency, and accountability that he championed during his tenure overseeing Ohio's elections.
During a video shared on social media platform X, LaRose claimed that Ohio has established a “gold standard in trustworthy and accessible elections” under his leadership. These remarks highlight his aspiration to carry forward that standard into the auditor's office, focusing on improving governmental operations throughout the state.
LaRose is notable for being the last of Ohio's five term-limited statewide executive officeholders to announce his future political plans. Meanwhile, other prominent figures in Ohio politics are also making moves ahead of the 2026 elections. Governor Mike DeWine, 78, has indicated he plans to retire at the end of his current term in 2026. In light of this, Attorney General Dave Yost has already declared his intention to run for the governorship. Additionally, current Ohio Auditor Keith Faber has announced his candidacy to replace Yost as Attorney General, making the political landscape increasingly competitive.
Seeking to fill Faber's now-vacated auditor position, LaRose's decision sets the stage for additional shifts in the state’s political hierarchy. Following LaRose’s announcement, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague established his intention to run for the Secretary of State position LaRose will leave behind. Interestingly, Sprague had previously considered a gubernatorial run but opted to support former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy if he launches a campaign for governor, which is anticipated in the near future.
This environment of shifting candidacies and strategic alliances among Ohio Republicans reflects the ongoing dynamics of the state's political scene, with significant implications for the upcoming electoral cycle. As figures like LaRose and others navigate their ambitions, the 2026 elections promise to be a pivotal moment for Ohio’s political landscape.
