Meet Ohio’s 2026 out LGBTQ+ candidates for public office

Many LGBTQ+ Ohioans are running for public office ahead of Ohio’s contentious midterms

As part of our “Out at the Polls” voting series, we’ve compiled a list of out LGBTQ+ candidates running for public office across the state.

Ohio Pride PAC has endorsed every out LGBTQ+ candidate but one – Arienne Childrey, who cannot be endorsed by the PAC while serving as a current member of its board of directors.

If there are more Ohio out LGBTQ+ candidates on the 2026 ballot, email us to let us know who they are.

Remember, you are allowed to use your phone while you are in the voting booth. You can make a list of the candidates and issues you plan to vote for or against or even fill out an entire sample ballot to copy on Election Day.

If you’re not registered to vote in Ohio, you have until October 5. Hit the button below to register online.

Hit the button below to find your Ohio House, Senate, Congressional and Education District.

Ari Childrey (Ohio House of Representatives, District 84)

Ohio House District 84 covers Mercer County, northern Darke County, and southern Auglaize County in the western part of the state.

Rep. Christine Cockley (Ohio House of Representatives, District 6)

Ohio House District 6 covers parts of Franklin County in the western portion of the Columbus metropolitan area, including the Columbus Westside, Franklin Township, Norwich Township, Prairie Township, and the village of Valleyview.

Lora Covrett (Ohio House of Representatives, District 87)

Ohio House District 87 includes Morrow County, Crawford County, Wyandot County and rural parts of Marion County.

Jeff Givan (Ohio House of Representatives, District 78)

Ohio House District 78 covers all of Allen County and a portion of northern Auglaize County in northwest Ohio.

The Buckeye Flame has also profiled Givan, who is running to unseat Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman.

Jessica Miranda (Hamilton County Auditor)

Caleb Price (Ohio House of Representatives, District 30)

Ohio House District 30 covers much of western Hamilton County in southwestern Ohio, including portions of western townships and municipalities such as Green Township and Delhi Township.

  • If there are more Ohio out LGBTQ+ candidates on the 2026 ballot, email us to let us know who they are.
  • If you are a young LGBTQ+ person in crisis, please contact the Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor.
  • If you are an transgender adult in need of immediate help, contact the National Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

Know an LGBTQ+ Ohio story we should cover? TELL US!

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Author

H.L. Comeriato (they/them) is an award-winning multimedia journalist living and working in Ohio. They were honored with the Sarah Pettit Memorial Award for National LGBTQ+ Journalist of the Year.

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