Ohio State Treasurer Robert Sprague secured the Republican nomination for Secretary of State on May 5, defeating combat veteran Marcell Strbich with 70.1% of the vote. Meanwhile, state Rep. Allison Russo won the Democratic nomination, defeating oncologist Bryan Hambley. The general election will pit Sprague, a seasoned politician, against Russo, who has served in the Ohio House since 2019 and previously led the Ohio Redistricting Commission.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Sprague’s victory solidifies his position as the GOP nominee, while Russo’s win sets up a competitive race in November. Both candidates have emphasized election integrity and redistricting reform as key issues.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Sprague’s Campaign and Background
Sprague, a former state representative, has held the role of Ohio State Treasurer since 2019. His campaign focused on maintaining election security and supporting small businesses. Strbich, a political outsider, ran on a platform of transparency and reform but was ultimately outmatched in voter support.
Russo’s Campaign and Background
Russo, the Ohio House Minority Leader from 2022 to 2025, has been vocal about her opposition to gerrymandering. She supported the 2024 ballot measure to end gerrymandering, which was defeated. Russo has pledged to use the Secretary of State’s office as a “guardrail” against legislative overreach. Hambley, her primary opponent, advocated for ending gerrymandering and received endorsements from former Gov. Richard Celeste and Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio.
Key Issues in the Race
Both candidates have highlighted election integrity and redistricting reform as central to their campaigns. Sprague’s experience in state government contrasts with Russo’s legislative background and advocacy for voting rights. The race is expected to be closely watched, given Ohio’s role as a swing state in national elections.