Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has announced that he will be running for the position of Ohio State Auditor in 2026. This move comes after his loss in the 2024 Republican primary for U.S. Senate. LaRose, a former Green Beret and experienced political figure, says he has received encouragement from many people across Ohio to consider this important role.
In his statement, LaRose emphasized his plan to improve how public funds are managed and make government operations more transparent. He also pledged to hold public agencies accountable when they misuse tax dollars. LaRose believes that the role of state auditor is crucial in ensuring that Ohio taxpayers get the most value for their money.
LaRose, 45, has a background in public service, having served in Ohio’s state Senate before becoming Secretary of State. He has a strong record of serving his country and his state. Despite his recent defeat in the 2024 Senate race, LaRose is determined to continue his political career and believes that the role of State Auditor will allow him to bring positive changes.
Ohio Republicans, like LaRose, have long held the majority of statewide offices, and his candidacy for state auditor is another step in the reshuffling of Ohio’s political scene. Several other Republican officeholders have already made their plans clear for the 2026 elections. Attorney General Dave Yost, for example, is running for governor. Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague had initially planned to run for governor but decided to switch gears and seek the position of Secretary of State instead.
This race for state auditor will be significant for Ohio’s political future, as the office plays a vital role in overseeing how the state’s financial resources are used. LaRose’s focus on transparency and accountability could help reshape how public funds are handled and bring more trust in Ohio’s government. His candidacy could also help strengthen the Republican Party’s position in Ohio, especially considering the number of changes taking place among other top officials.
LaRose’s bid for auditor comes as part of a broader trend of political leaders in Ohio reshuffling their positions due to term limits. With several prominent Republican leaders looking toward other offices in 2026, LaRose’s announcement for auditor could mark a new chapter in his political career.
LaRose’s plan, according to his statement, includes working to ensure that taxpayer money is spent more efficiently. He wants to make sure that public entities in Ohio are accountable for how they use public funds, which is a key responsibility of the state auditor. The job of auditor is one of great importance, as it helps ensure that public institutions are not wasting money or misusing resources that belong to the people of Ohio.
In addition to his role in the state Senate, LaRose has already built a career in public service as Ohio’s Secretary of State. His experience handling elections and overseeing state operations gives him the background needed for the role of auditor. If elected, he hopes to build on his track record of promoting transparency and efficiency in Ohio’s state government.
With the 2026 elections on the horizon, many Ohio voters will be watching closely to see how LaRose and other political figures shape their campaigns. The race for state auditor is expected to be a hotly contested one, and LaRose’s candidacy adds another interesting layer to Ohio’s political landscape.
(Source : cleveland.com)