Franklin Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Kathryn S. Malone is an independent paralegal, mediator, notary public, author, and minister. She holds degrees in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, and Business, and is a published author. Malone is also a survivor of Chronic Inflammatory Demylinating Polynueropathy (CIDP) and works to raise awareness for the condition.

Gary Hickman, 66, resides in Dayton, Ohio, and is affiliated with the Republican Party, having been registered to vote in Montgomery County since 1995.

Priorities: Fight against unregulated charter schools and private school vouchers, and work to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion bans. · Restore voting rights for all Ohioans by supporting automatic voter registration and civil engagement programs. · Protect Medicaid, champion unions and vocational programs, and reform the criminal justice system by ending cash bail and investing in mental health.

Richard L. Stage is an 80-year-old resident of Grove City, Ohio, affiliated with the Republican Party, and has been a registered voter in Franklin County since 1984.

George J. Holinga holds business management and marketing degrees, and is a successful entrepreneur with a proven track record in turning around struggling businesses. He has served as Chairman of Grove City building and zoning, President of Ohio’s largest HOA, and Chairman of Community Infrastructure Financing Authority.

Priorities: Public safety · Improve transportation infrastructure · Public money spent responsibly

Allison Russo is a State Representative currently serving her fourth term in the Ohio House of Representatives, representing House District 7. She previously served as the Minority Leader for the Ohio House Democratic Caucus and spent over two decades advising on healthcare financing and care delivery prior to her legislative career. Russo is currently a candidate for Ohio Secretary of State.

Priorities: Securing elections · Modernizing business services · Serving all Ohioans with integrity and transparency

Davide Cugini is listed by Ballotpedia as a 2026 candidate for Franklin County Commission in Franklin County, Ohio.

Eric Terford is listed by Ballotpedia as a 2026 candidate for Franklin County Commission in Franklin County, Ohio.

Erica Crawley is listed by Ballotpedia as a 2026 candidate for Franklin County Commission in Franklin County, Ohio.

Michael Stinziano is listed by Ballotpedia as a 2026 candidate for Franklin County Auditor in Franklin County, Ohio.

Joe Gerard is a 26-year-old engineer and healthcare researcher running for the U.S. House to represent Ohio's 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle. He is making his first bid for federal office, challenging the incumbent in the Democratic primary. Gerard's campaign emphasizes issues such as accessible healthcare, government accountability, and opposition to U.S. military interventions abroad.

Priorities: Opposing U.S. military aid and commercial arms sales to Israel. · Implementing an at-cost public health plan for Ohioans using existing federal programs, as a step toward Medicare for All. · Supporting a federal AI Data Center Moratorium Act.

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty is a native Ohioan who has proudly represented Ohio’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House since 2013. A Democrat, she is seeking re-election in 2026. Prior to her federal service, she was the first female Democratic House Leader in Ohio’s history.

Priorities: Voting rights reform · Financial equity · Healthcare access

Dr. Amy Acton is running for Governor of Ohio in the 2026 election. She grew up in Youngstown, overcoming difficult circumstances to become a doctor and public health leader. Acton is campaigning to fight for Ohio families, lower costs, and address corruption.

Priorities: Reducing Costs for Ohio Families · Cleaning Up Corruption · Improving Education

Vivek Ramaswamy is a Cincinnati native, husband, father, and accomplished business leader running for Ohio Governor in the 2026 election cycle. He aims to restore opportunity, strengthen communities, and keep the American Dream alive for all Ohioans. Ramaswamy previously ran for president in the 2024 Republican primaries.

Priorities: Put more money in your pocket through lower taxes, lower energy bills, and greater opportunity. · Provide a world-class education for children by raising academic standards and empowering parents. · Crush crime and protect neighborhoods by strengthening public safety and empowering law enforcement.

Sherrod Brown, a U.S. Senator since 2007, is running for U.S. Senate in Ohio in the 2026 election cycle. He has dedicated his career to fighting for Ohioans and the dignity of work, advocating for middle-class families and workers.

Priorities: Fighting for workers' rights, fair wages, and good-paying jobs, including opposing unfair trade deals. · Protecting and strengthening retirement security, pensions, and Social Security for Ohioans. · Making healthcare more affordable, including capping prescription drug costs, and overhauling the tax code to benefit working families.

Jon Husted is a Republican member of the U.S. Senate from Ohio, having assumed office in January 2025. He has officially filed to run for re-election in the 2026 United States Senate race. His campaign focuses on Ohio values, conservative leadership, and delivering results for working families.

Priorities: Creating a strong economy, a pro-business environment, and implementing regulatory reforms to cut costs and eliminate government waste. · Prioritizing safe communities by securing funding for law enforcement, working to secure the border, and providing tools to combat fentanyl and online predators. · Championing pro-life causes, protecting women's sports, and expanding school choice to empower parents and provide skills training.