homestate ohio
By Ben Everidge for Thomas
Photo Credit: Ohio, The Heart of It All
ohio at the Crossroads: 10 Issues That Define the buckeye state’s Future
“Ohio was once America’s bellwether. Now it risks becoming its bystander, absent significant policy improvements from its elected leaders. The Buckeye State must choose between revival through innovation or decline into partisan stagnation.”
- Ben Everidge
Ohio has long been regarded as a political bellwether, but in recent years, it has shifted decisively toward the Republican Party, even as its economy and demographics evolve. Once a battleground that reflected the nation, Ohio is now grappling with its identity: part Rust Belt, part agricultural powerhouse, and part tech hub of the future. The 2026 elections will test whether Ohio can reinvent itself or remain locked in partisan and economic decline.
1. The 2026 Governor’s Race and GOP Dominance
Republicans have dominated Ohio’s statewide offices for over a decade, while Democrats struggle outside of urban centers like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. The governor’s race will be another test of whether Democrats can rebuild a statewide coalition, or whether Republicans’ grip remains unbreakable. Independents and suburban moderates will be the decisive factor.
2. Manufacturing Decline and Industrial Transition
Ohio’s identity as a manufacturing state remains strong, but automation, globalization, and shifts in trade have hollowed out traditional industries. Federal investments in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and clean energy could provide a revival. Whether Ohio capitalizes on this opportunity depends on its workforce readiness and the modernization of its infrastructure.
3. Infrastructure and Transportation
From deteriorating highways to outdated water systems, Ohio’s infrastructure is in dire need of repair and upgrade. Federal infrastructure dollars present a lifeline, but execution and local coordination are perennial challenges. Revitalizing infrastructure is essential not only for economic competitiveness but also for public health and safety.
4. Opioid Crisis and Public Health Emergency
Ohio remains at the epicenter of the opioid epidemic, with overdose rates among the highest in the nation. The crisis devastates communities, strains healthcare systems, and erodes workforce participation. State leaders face pressure to move beyond litigation and grants toward long-term, systematic solutions for addiction and recovery.
5. Education and Workforce Development
Ohio’s K-12 system struggles with funding inequities, particularly between urban and rural districts. At the same time, employers demand more skilled workers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Community colleges and trade schools play a critical role, but reforms are needed to align education with the 21st-century economy.
6. Abortion and Social Policy Battles
The overturning of Roe v. Wade sparked intense political fights in Ohio. Voters approved a 2023 constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights, a setback for Republican lawmakers who sought restrictions. The issue will remain a flashpoint in 2026, reflecting broader debates over individual rights, state power, and the direction of Ohio’s social policies.
7. Agriculture and Rural Economy
Agriculture remains central to Ohio’s economy, but farmers face challenges from climate change, water quality regulations, and shifting global markets. Rural communities also confront declining populations and limited access to healthcare, broadband, and workforce opportunities. Policy solutions must bridge the rural-urban divide.
8. Public Safety and Urban Renewal
Ohio’s cities grapple with crime, economic inequality, and aging infrastructure. Revitalization efforts in Cleveland and Cincinnati have shown promise, but systematic challenges persist. For voters, urban renewal is about more than growth. It’s about restoring safety, opportunity, and trust in government.
9. Energy and the Future of Power
Ohio’s energy mix – coal, natural gas, and renewables – reflects its industrial legacy and its future potential. The state has opportunities in solar, wind, and nuclear, but political battles often stall progress. Energy policy is a defining issue, both economically and environmentally, as Ohio seeks to remain competitive while meeting climate realities.
10. Independent Voters and Political Identity
Ohio was once the ultimate swing state, but independents are now divided, with many leaning Republican in recent cycles. Yet suburban and younger independents may hold the balance in close races, especially in ballot measure battles. Whether Ohio reclaims its bellwether status or remains firmly partisan depends on this bloc.
The Thomas Take
Ohio is no longer the reliable mirror of the nation it once was, but it remains a state that matters. From manufacturing revival to the opioid epidemic, from abortion rights to infrastructure, the Buckeye State stands at the intersection of old battles and new opportunities. If Ohio can modernize while addressing its deep divides, it may yet reclaim its place as America’s bellwether. For independents, Ohio remains a test case for whether pragmatic politics can still thrive in a polarized environment.
To learn more about Ohio’s issues, read: