All results reported in this story will be updated as finalized numbers continue to come in.
DeWine Wins Re-election as Ohio Governor
Incumbent Governor Mike DeWine cruised to an easy victory by keeping his head down, skipping out on debates, and allowing some of his most ardent detractors during the pandemic lockdown to cool off and tow the party line in a 63% victory over challenger Nan Whaley’s 37% showing of support.
“A little while ago I called Gov. DeWine to wish him luck in his next term,” stated Whaley on Twitter yesterday evening. “I’m going to keep fighting for Ohio. And I hope you will join me.”
“Thank you to the people of Ohio for giving me and Jon Husted the honor and opportunity to lead Ohio for another four years,” stated DeWine via Twitter last night. “We have unfinished business, and my promise to you tonight is that I will not stop. We will continue to fight every single day to overcome the challenges we face and create greater opportunities for all Ohioans.”
JD Vance Defeats Tim Ryan
In what was projected to be a tight race in Ohio, venture capitalist JD Vance bested Tim Ryan 53% to 47% in the contest for US Senate, replacing outgoing Republican Rob Portman.
Republicans Dominate Statewide Seats in Ohio
The GOP incumbents in Ohio in various statewide offices pulled off victories by fairly healthy margins. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost won 60-40 over Jeffrey Crossman. Keith Faber won reelection as Ohio Auditor 59-41 over Taylor Sappington. And Frank LaRose was reelected as Ohio Secretary of State, 60-39 over Chelsea Clark.
“To AG Yost – My hope is that you have listened to all of the people of Ohio during this election and that you understand that your role is to represent all Ohioans, including those who did not vote for you,” stated Crossman in a statement released last night. “I pray you spend your time working to protect everyone’s Constitutional rights, especially the women, minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who deserve the support of the Ohio government but lack the resources to fund your campaigns.”
A Handful of Democrat Victories
It was a good night for just a couple of Democrats on the ballot. Joyce Beatty won reelection for her seat at US Representative for Ohio’s third district by a large 70-30 margin. And Ohio State Senator Hearcel Craig ran unopposed for reelection in the 15th state district.
“Ohio Democrats secured key wins tonight — including electing Greg Landsman and Emilia Sykes and reelecting Joyce Beatty, Shontel Brown and Marcy Kaptur,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters. “In other races, though, we fell short. There will be time over the coming days and weeks to dissect what happened and why. But an onslaught of corporate cash, illegal, GOP-gerrymandered maps and a willingness by the other side to spew lies and misinformation made our work that much more difficult.”
State Issues Pass
Both Issue 1 and Issue 2 passed, the former by 78-22 and the latter by 77-23. Both issues will amend the state’s constitution with Issue 1 requiring courts to set bail based on multiple factors and removes the former procedures, while Issue 2 will require voters in Ohio to be US Citizens.
The Franklin County & Columbus Results
Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano (D) was reelected 65-35 over challenger Jarrod Golden, while Erica Crawley (D) won reelection as Franklin County Commissioner 63-37.
“Thank you to each and every person who helped me become the first Democrat to be re-elected to this office in 84 years,” stated Stinziano via email today. “It means so much to me that the voters of Franklin County instilled their confidence in me.”
The five-part Columbus bond package passed (local issues 14-18) totaling a $1.5 billion investment in public utilities, housing and infrastructure.
Additionally, Columbus issues 19, 20 and 21 all passed by over 74 percent, amending the city charter. Issue 19 will disallow special interest groups from getting ballot issues in front of voters without disclosing crucial financial impacts to taxpayers. Issue 20 will remove some barriers to entry for city hiring practices. And Issue 21 will allow City Council to continue to hold virtual meetings when deemed appropriate.
For more election results, visit liveresults.ohiosos.gov and vote.franklincountyohio.gov/elections.