2026 Ohio Governor Candidates Explained: Who They Are & What's at Stake | Purple Political Breakdown
Description
Host Radell Lewis breaks down every candidate running for Ohio Governor in 2026, cutting through the noise to give you the facts that matter.
What You'll Learn:
Vivek Ramaswamy (Republican) is proposing to eliminate Ohio's state income tax and lower property taxes to reverse the exodus of young Ohioans. He's pushing for increased energy production through fracking and nuclear plants, K-12 education improvements, tougher penalties for repeat criminal offenders (including psychiatric institutionalization), and promises to restore "open dialogue" in Ohio politics.
Philip Funderburg (Republican) is a 10th-generation Ohioan and insurance agent from Englewood running on a deportation-focused platform. He's targeting "anchor babies, Haitians, and illegals" in his campaign messaging and frequently posts about Ramaswamy. While aligned with Trump's agenda, Funderburg wants to release the Epstein files.
Jacob Chiara (Democrat) is a former Republican now running as a Democrat because he says the GOP "no longer exists" as he knew it. His platform includes boosting small businesses, fully funding public schools, expanding healthcare access, ending pay-to-play politics, and investing in crime prevention. Chiara criticizes both Ramaswamy and Acton, positioning himself as an outsider tired of "politics as usual."
Dr. Amy Acton (Democrat), Ohio's former health director, is prioritizing lowering everyday costs for Ohioans including groceries, gas, healthcare, and energy bills. She's committed to fully funding public schools, strengthening Ohio's economy, improving public safety, and addressing corruption in the Statehouse that she says "caters to billionaires and special interests."
This is Purple Political Breakdownwhere Radell Lewis gives you the information you need to understand what's really at stake in Ohio politics.
Keywords: Ohio Governor race 2026, Vivek Ramaswamy Ohio, Amy Acton governor, Ohio gubernatorial election, Ohio politics, Jacob Chiara, Philip Funderburg, Ohio primary election, who is running for Ohio governor, Ohio election candidates, Ohio state income tax, Purple Political Breakdown, Radell Lewis podcast, nonpartisan political podcast, Ohio voting guide 2026





