Here’s a look at the candidates competing to represent the Columbus region in Washington, D.C. and the state legislature.
Ohio U.S. Senate Race
Republican incumbent Senator Jon Husted is campaigning for another term in the U.S. Senate against former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, who is attempting to return to Washington in this special election.
Husted was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to serve the remainder of Vice President J.D. Vance’s term in the Senate and is now running for a full term. He has been focused on economic growth, ratepayer protection for consumers facing higher utility costs from data centers, and border security.
Brown served three terms in the Senate before losing reelection in 2024. His campaign is focused on healthcare access and lowering costs for families.
The race is highly competitive and could determine which party controls the Senate following November’s election.
OH-3 Congressional Race
Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District race features Democratic incumbent Representative Joyce Beatty seeking another term representing the region. Republican candidate Celophus Dulaney is challenging her for the seat.
Beatty has held the seat since 2013. Prior to her election, she served in the state legislature. Her priorities in office have included affordable housing, healthcare, and education.
Dulaney is a business owner who is challenging Beatty. He ran unopposed in his May primary and previously ran, unsuccessfully, in 2020. His priorities include addressing homelessness, tax relief, and supporting law enforcement and small business.
OH-15 Congressional Race
Ohio’s 15th Congressional District will see Republican incumbent Representative Mike Carey facing Democratic challenger Don Leonard.
Carey has held the seat since 2021 and has focused his work in Congress on tax relief, housing affordability, and workforce development.
Carey is a former military officer. He worked in the energy and coal industries before running for Congress. He currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Committee on House Administration.
Leonard’s campaign is focused on expanding access to healthcare, addressing homelessness, and stopping the construction of data centers in the region.
The race is highly competitive and is being targeted by Democrats in their larger effort to gain control of Congress.
Ohio Senate District 3
In Ohio’s 3rd state Senate district, Republican incumbent Senator Michele Reynolds is facing Democratic challenger Stacie A. Baker.
Reynolds is a third-generation business owner who previously served as Madison Township trustee. She has focused on affordability and the economy during her time in office.
Baker formerly served on the Reynoldsburg City Council. He won his primary with about 56% of the vote.
The district includes portions of Columbus and surrounding communities.
Ohio House District 1
Ohio’s 1st House District race has incumbent Democratic Representative Dontavius Jarrells facing Republican challenger Joel A. Greff.
Jarrells has focused on serving marginalized communities across Ohio, according to his campaign. He has worked on legislation to raise the minimum wage and protect Columbus’ historic Poindexter Village.
Greff is a businessman challenging Jarrells. He attended the Ohio State University.
Ohio House District 3
In Ohio’s 3rd House District, incumbent Democratic Representative Ismail Mohamed is seeking another term in the state legislature. He is being challenged by Republican candidate Bernadine Kennedy Kent. She is a former Democratic state representative who won the Republican primary as a write-in candidate.
Mohamed is an attorney who served on the Columbus Civilian Review Board. He has focused on affordable housing, education, and public safety according to his campaign. In September, Mohamed was questioned in a hearing regarding his voter registration and mortgage history. The hearing was aimed at determining whether Mohamed actually lives in the district that he represents in the state legislature.
Kent served in the Ohio state House from 2017 to 2020. She brought forth the challenge against Mohamed in the hearing.
