Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has officially announced his candidacy for state auditor in 2026, setting the stage for another major shift in Ohio’s political landscape. His decision comes as a natural next step in his political career, with term limits preventing him from seeking re-election as Secretary of State. This move also continues the trend of Ohio’s high-ranking Republican officials shuffling into new roles as their current terms expire.
LaRose, 45, has been a key figure in Ohio politics, serving as Secretary of State since 2019. Before that, he was a state senator and a U.S. Army Green Beret. His tenure as Secretary of State has been marked by a strong focus on election security, business development, and administrative efficiency.
Despite these efforts, his recent attempt to secure the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate ended in defeat. He lost a competitive three-way primary to Bernie Moreno, who later won the general election against Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown in November.
In a statement provided to The Associated Press, LaRose expressed his motivation for pursuing the auditor’s position. “I’ve always answered the call of duty, and I’ve had a lot of encouragement from across Ohio to consider serving in this important office,” he said. “They’ve asked me to build on what we’ve done in the Secretary of State’s office, where we’ve made Ohio a national leader in election administration and economic development by focusing on the highest performance standards.”
LaRose’s announcement comes as part of a broader reshuffling among Ohio’s Republican leadership. Governor Mike DeWine, who has served two terms, has signalled plans to retire when his term ends in 2026. Meanwhile, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has already declared his candidacy to replace DeWine, and current State Auditor Keith Faber is running to take over Yost’s role. With LaRose now in the race for state auditor, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague has set his sights on becoming the next Secretary of State.
The movement within Ohio’s GOP leadership has sparked discussions about the party’s future direction. As LaRose transitions from overseeing Ohio’s elections to potentially managing the state’s financial audits, his leadership style and priorities will come under scrutiny. The Ohio auditor’s office plays a crucial role in ensuring government accountability, conducting financial reviews of public agencies, and investigating fraud or mismanagement of taxpayer funds.
LaRose’s tenure as Secretary of State has not been without controversy. He has been a strong advocate for election integrity, a stance that has both earned him praise from conservative circles and criticism from Democrats who argue that certain policies may restrict voting access.
However, LaRose has maintained that his focus has always been on making Ohio’s elections fair and secure. His handling of election-related issues, including ballot access and voter ID laws, could be key factors in how voters perceive his suitability for the state auditor role.
As the political landscape in Ohio shifts, some analysts believe LaRose’s experience in overseeing government operations and implementing policy changes could work in his favour. His military background, combined with his time in public office, has shaped his approach to leadership, emphasizing discipline, efficiency, and accountability. These qualities align closely with the responsibilities of a state auditor, making his candidacy a potentially strong one.
Another factor in the upcoming race is the influence of former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Sprague, who had initially considered a run for governor, recently dropped out of the race and publicly endorsed Ramaswamy should he decide to run. Ramaswamy’s potential entry into the Ohio political scene could add another layer of complexity to the Republican primaries and statewide elections in 2026.
LaRose’s campaign for state auditor will likely focus on his record as Secretary of State, highlighting his efforts to improve election security, streamline business registrations, and promote transparency. However, he may also need to address criticisms from both sides of the political spectrum, particularly regarding his past Senate bid and the policies he supported during his tenure.
The 2026 election will be a pivotal one for Ohio, with multiple statewide offices up for grabs and the GOP leadership undergoing a significant transformation. As LaRose prepares to transition from overseeing elections to auditing government agencies, his ability to connect with voters and present a compelling vision for the auditor’s office will be critical to his success.
For now, his focus remains on building a campaign that underscores his experience, leadership, and commitment to public service. Whether Ohio voters will support his bid for state auditor remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the political landscape in Ohio is undergoing a major shift, and LaRose’s decision to run adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming elections.
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Benjamin Ford is a dedicated local journalist passionate about reporting on community news, events, politics, crime, and finance. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering impactful stories, he provides in-depth analysis and timely updates on issues that matter to the local audience. Benjamin enjoys engaging with the community and staying informed on emerging trends when he’s not covering the latest developments.
