Voters in the US state of Ohio head to the polls on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, for primary elections that will shape the upcoming midterm contests in November. The primaries are widely seen as a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term and a key battle for control of Congress.
Polls open at 6:30 a.m. local time (10:30 GMT) and close at 7:30 p.m. (23:30 GMT). Voters will select candidates for the US Senate, House of Representatives, governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, state supreme court, and other offices.
The most closely watched race is the Republican gubernatorial primary, where Trump-endorsed former presidential candidate and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy faces internet personality Casey Putsch. The contest tests Trump's continued influence as a kingmaker within the Republican Party. Putsch, a right-wing commentator with minimal campaign funds, has positioned himself as a more authentic representative of Trump's 'America First' ideology.
On the Democratic side, former Ohio Department of Health director Amy Acton runs unopposed for the gubernatorial nomination and will face the Republican winner in November. The general election is expected to be highly competitive.
The US Senate special election to fill the seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance is another critical race. Incumbent Senator Jon Husted, appointed temporarily, is the unchallenged Republican candidate. Former Senator Sherrod Brown, who lost his seat in 2024, is the Democratic frontrunner, facing Ron Kincaid but holding significant advantages in fundraising and name recognition. The November matchup between Brown and Husted is predicted to be extremely tight.
Ohio requires voters to present a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID). Republican lawmakers have pushed for stricter ID requirements, claiming they are necessary to prevent voter fraud, despite no evidence of widespread fraud in the US.
Ohio does not register voters by party; participation in a primary affiliates a voter with that party. The primaries highlight the deepening divisions within the US regime and the ongoing battle for political dominance ahead of the midterms.
Source: www.aljazeera.com