Russo, Sprague Win Primary Nominations for Ohio Secretary of State Race
Democratic Rep. Allison Russo and Republican Treasurer Robert Sprague advance to November’s general election for Ohio Secretary of State after winning their respective primaries.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — State Representative Allison Russo secured the Democratic nomination for Ohio Secretary of State while Treasurer Robert Sprague won the Republican primary, setting up a competitive general election race this November.
The Associated Press projected Tuesday evening that Russo defeated oncologist Bryan Hambley in the Democratic primary and that Sprague had overcome challenger Marcell Strbich on the Republican side.
Russo Brings Legislative Experience
Russo has represented her district in the Ohio House since 2019 and served as Ohio House Minority Leader from 2022 to 2025. She highlighted her legislative background and her role on the Ohio Redistricting Commission as key qualifications for the secretary of state position.
During her tenure on the redistricting commission, Russo opposed nearly all maps approved by the Republican-majority panel. She voted for the most recent Ohio Statehouse district maps, but she and fellow Democrat Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio said they approved the maps only after being threatened with worse alternatives by GOP commission members.
“We wanted the process to be considered by voters,” Russo and Antonio explained, though the 2024 ballot measure to prevent gerrymandering was ultimately defeated.
Drawing from her redistricting experience, Russo said she is prepared to “use the bully pulpit” of the Secretary of State’s Office to implement changes and serve as a “guardrail” against overreach from the legislature or the president.
Hambley’s Outsider Campaign
Bryan Hambley entered the Democratic primary as an underdog candidate. The cancer doctor at the University of Cincinnati has never held public office, positioning himself as a potential blank-slate candidate for voters seeking fresh leadership.
Ending gerrymandering within Ohio became one of Hambley’s central campaign themes, an issue he has championed since 2024 according to his campaign website. The Cincinnati native strongly supported the 2024 ballot initiative aimed at ending gerrymandering in the state, which he incorporated into his campaign platform.
Hambley secured endorsements from former Governor Richard Celeste and Senate Minority Leader Antonio, who is also seeking reelection this year.
Looking Ahead to November
The general election matchup between Russo and Sprague promises to be closely watched, with both candidates bringing distinct backgrounds to the race for Ohio’s top election official. Russo’s legislative experience and redistricting work will likely contrast with Sprague’s tenure as state treasurer and his Republican party support.
The Secretary of State position oversees Ohio’s elections, business registrations, and other administrative functions, making it a key office as the state continues to navigate ongoing debates over voting procedures and redistricting processes.
