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OHIO · 2026

Ohio Candidate
Fact Sheets

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OHIO · 2026

U.S. Senate

OHIO · 2026U.S. SENATE

2026 ELECTION GUIDE

OHIO U.S. SENATOR

Review each position against the same issue statement.
Portrait of JON HUSTED

JON HUSTEDR

Portrait of SHERROD BROWN

SHERROD BROWND

Keep this guide handyDownload the published fact sheet, review every source, or share this race.
Download fact sheet ↓View source page ↗
13 issues
ISSUE & DESCRIPTIONSelect a source link to open the researchPOSITIONPOSITION
01

COST OF LIVING: Cut Government Spending & Regulations to Lower Prices

More government spending & regulations means higher prices & more taxes. Cutting spending & regulations is the path to affordability.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDAGREE
View sources (4)
Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"We successfully eliminated 2.2 million words from Ohio’s regulatory code, & we are on track to reach 5 million—roughly 1/3 of the code. #AI technology played a role, and I hope our work in Ohio serves as a model for #DOGE efforts at the federal level."

Candidate WebsiteOpen source ↗

"As Lt. Governor, Jon was a leader in meaningful regulatory reform to implement technology, eliminate fraud and waste, and save millions of taxpayer dollars... Founded InnovateOhio to reduce costs and eliminate government waste."

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted for H.R. 4 — Rescissions Act of 2025 - Clawed back roughly $9B in already-appropriated funds for foreign aid and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This was the vehicle that codified a portion of DOGE's cuts.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted for S.Amdt. 5378 (Paul) to S.Con.Res. 33 - Would have offset $70B in new spending by cutting $45B in foreign aid, eliminating $5B in refugee spending, cutting $16B from the Department of Education, and cutting $4B from the National Science Foundation.

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNDISAGREE
View sources (2)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted for Inflation Reduction Act, which includes hundreds of billions in gov't spending/tax incentives related to clean energy, climate programs, healthcare and energy infrastructure, phases out gas vehicles, aiming to cut emissions in half by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted for $1.9 American Rescue Plan - a bill that included substantial spending on state and local governments, childcare, rent assistance, stimulus payments, expanded tax credits, public transportation and pension bailout. The law imposed new reporting requirements/taxes for online transactions over $600.

02

SANCTUARY POLICIES & MASS AMNESTY

Help illegal immigrants avoid deportation by refusing to honor ICE detainers. Support mass amnesty.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDDISAGREE
View sources (5)
Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"Sanctuary cities are dangerous for our communities.

State and local leaders need to work with federal law enforcement to avoid confrontation, enforce the rule of law, and keep Americans safe."

Candidate Website

"I worked with Senate Republicans to pass a strong budget law that strengthens the administration's southern and northern border security efforts and gets criminals out of Ohio neighborhoods."

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"Refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement puts the public at risk. If someone is here illegally and commits a crime, they should be turned over to federal authorities. Federal, state, and local cooperation is essential to keeping Americans safe."

Candidate WebsiteOpen source ↗

“Under the Biden administration, millions of criminal illegal immigrants flooded our borders and entered our country completely unchecked. Ohioans expect their government to enforce the rule of law, deport criminals, secure the border and keep their communities safe, and that’s exactly what this bill will do.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted for H.R. 1 — One Big Beautiful Bill Act - Provided $46.5B for the border barrier system; ~$165B total to DHS; funded hiring of 12,000 additional ICE agents.

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNAGREE
View sources (4)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "NAY" on S.2146 - Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act: A bill to hold sanctuary jurisdictions accountable for defying Federal law, to increase penalties for individuals who illegally reenter the United States after being removed, and to provide liability protection for State and local law enforcement who cooperate with Federal law enforcement and for other purposes.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted AGAINST S.Amdt. 1948 to S.Amdt. 1959 to H.R. 2579 (Broader Options for Americans Act): To ensure that State and local law enforcement may cooperate with Federal officials to protect our communities from violent criminals and suspected terrorists who are illegally present in the United States.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

S.J. Res. 54 - Voted to remove emergency declaration from border wall, removing funding.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted for S. 744 - Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Would have provided a path to citizenship for 11 million illegal aliens in the country at the time.

03

HEALTHCARE: Lower Costs by Restricting Subsidies for Illegal Immigrants

Reduce healthcare costs by narrowing eligibility for federal healthcare subsidies to citizens & lawful residents.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDAGREE
View sources (3)
Candidate WebsiteOpen source ↗

"The [Husted] campaign also charges that Brown supported amnesty for 11 million illegal immigrants, a number the campaign notes is roughly equivalent to Ohio’s entire population, and voted to extend those immigrants taxpayer-funded benefits including subsidized healthcare, Social Security, and COVID-19 relief checks."

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted for H.R. 1 — One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which narrowed Medicaid eligibility to citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA residents, dropping parolees and asylees from the prior "qualified alien" category. (Note that emergency medical conditions are still covered.)

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted for S.Amdt. 2705 (Cornyn) to H.R. 1 — Would have imposed a financial penalty on states that provide healthcare coverage to non-qualified aliens charged with certain specified criminal histories.

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNDISAGREE
View sources (1)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted AGAINST S.Amdt. 614 to S.ConRes.8 - The amendment would have prohibited illegal immigrants or illegal immigrants granted legal status from qualifying for taxpayer-funded health care.

04

WAGES/ECONOMY: Support One Big Beautiful Bill & 2017 Tax Cuts

Making the 2017 tax cuts permanent & eliminating taxes on tips, overtime & social security are driving up wages & contributing to economic growth.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDAGREE
View sources (2)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted yes on H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025) - to make 2017 tax cuts permanent. - Made the 20% small business deduction permanent and allowed full expensing for machinery, research and development, and new factories. Provided full and immediate expensing for machinery, equipment, technology and software through bonus depreciation, and doubled small business expensing limits.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

“'Over the past year, I’ve heard from Ohio workers and business owners about how the Working Families Tax Cuts Act has helped them. John Lane, co-owner of the Winking Lizard Tavern in Avon, said roughly 900 of their employees have benefited from the law. Shaun Ekker, CFO of Ohio Gratings, said the law has helped the company create more jobs. Whether you’re raising a family, working overtime, earning tips or running a business, this law helps you keep more of what you earn, which is why I’m proud to have supported it,' said Husted.

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Ohioans by including:

No tax on tips: More than 6 million taxpayers have benefited, providing relief for service workers who depend on gratuity.
No tax on overtime: More than 25 million taxpayers have claimed the provision, giving essential workers—factory workers, linemen, police officers, nurses, and more—a new break on their hard-earned extra hours.
A permanent 20% tax deduction for small businesses: Delivering $4,600 in average relief to 8 million entrepreneurs.
Enhanced deductions for seniors: More than 30 million seniors have claimed the provision.
An increased child tax credit of $2,200: More than 34 million families have claimed the provision.
A partially refundable adoption tax credit of up to $5,000.
Prevented a tax hike that would have cost the average family of four earning $80,000 about $1,700 MORE in federal taxes.
This law also gave employers the certainty they needed to invest, expand and hire more Ohio workers by:

Making the 20% small business deduction permanent.
Allowing full expensing for machinery, research and development and new factories.
Reducing taxes for more than 12 million small business owners by an average of $7,000.
Expanding write-offs for interest costs.
Creating better-paying jobs and supporting Made-in-America manufacturing."

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNDISAGREE
View sources (2)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted no on H.R. 1, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017) - For individuals and families, the law lowered income tax rates across most brackets; cut the top rate from 39.6% to 37%; nearly doubled the standard deduction; doubled the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000; raised the income limit to qualify from $110,000 to $400,000; raised the Alternative Minimum Tax exemption; and doubled the estate tax exemption from $5.5 million to $11.4 million for individuals and $11.1 million to $22.8 million for married couples.

Ohio Capital JournalOpen source ↗

Opposes One Big Beautiful Bill - "Asked about Husted’s proposal, Brown criticized his opponent for backing the tax cut package known as the One Big Beautiful Bill." [The bill made the 2017 tax cuts permanent; made the 20% small business deduction permanent and allowed full expensing for machinery, research and development, and new factories; provided full and immediate expensing for machinery, equipment, technology and software through bonus depreciation; and doubled small business expensing limits.

05

BENEFITS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

Illegal immigrants are entitled to receive taxpayer-funded benefits such as social security & government stimulus checks.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDDISAGREE
View sources (2)
Candidate WebsiteOpen source ↗

"The [Husted] campaign also charges that Brown supported amnesty for 11 million illegal immigrants, a number the campaign notes is roughly equivalent to Ohio’s entire population, and voted to extend those immigrants taxpayer-funded benefits including subsidized healthcare, Social Security, and COVID-19 relief checks."

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted for H.R. 1 — One Big Beautiful Bill Act - Enacted the benefit restrictions now in law: Sec. 71109 narrowed Medicaid eligibility to citizens, lawful permanent residents, certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA residents, dropping parolees and asylees from the prior "qualified alien" category. Sec. 71110 cut the enhanced federal match for emergency Medicaid for unlawfully present aliens from 90% to the standard rate. The law also restricted SNAP eligibility and created a 1% remittance transfer tax.

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNAGREE
View sources (2)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted AGAINST S.Amdt. 968 to S.Amdt 891 to HR 1319 - The amendment would have prevented the COVID Recovery Rebates/Stimulus checks from going to illegal immigrants.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Bill Cosponsorship of S.25 - Assault Weapons Ban of 2023: makes it a crime to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon or large capacity magazine.

06

ELECTION SECURITY: Require Citizenship & Voter ID

Require voter ID and citizenship to vote.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDAGREE
View sources (4)
Candidate WebsiteOpen source ↗

"I made my mission clear in that role to make Ohio a place where it is easy to vote and hard to cheat."

Candidate WebsiteOpen source ↗

"Passing voter ID requirements is common sense. And passing this provision that I offer tonight that's part of the SAVE America Act is right for election integrity. And it's the right thing to do for voter confidence."

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Bill Sponsorship of S.Amdt. 4732 to S.1383 (SAVE America Act) — Husted amdt 'to require voters to provide photo identification

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"Voter list maintenance - removing illegal registrations - is an essential part of election integrity by ensuring only eligible voters are on the voter rolls. Unfortunately, too many states are still not using this legally permissible process. I cleaned up Ohio's voter rolls as Ohio's secretary of state."

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNDISAGREE
View sources (2)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Bill Cosponsorship of S.4 - John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021: Would have federalized elections, restricting states' authority over elections. Would have classified Voter ID laws as discriminatory and allowed voting by mail for all.

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"We cannot allow voter suppression to rear its ugly head in this country ever again.

@senatemajldr, honor John Lewis.

Pass the Voting Rights Act in his name. #VRA55"

07

PROTECT WOMEN'S SPORTS

Prohibit biological males from competing in female sports.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDAGREE
View sources (5)
News SourceOpen source ↗

"Men should not compete in women's sports. Permanent medical decisions concerning gender should not be made when you are a child." (Husted on X, after the SAFE Act passed)

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "YEA" on S. 9 Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025: A bill to provide that for purposes of determining compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 in athletics, sex shall be recognized based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "YEA" S.Amdt. 4421 to S.1383 (SAVE America Act) — Tuberville amdt 'to protect women and girls in athletics'

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"The Olympic committee is pathetic for allowing this. Women should not have to compete against men in sports."

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what's right, and there's no question that men should not compete in women's sports."

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNDISAGREE
View sources (1)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "NAY" on S.Amdt.1386 to S.Amdt.891: would have blocked certain federal funding for states, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education that permit any student whose biological sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity designated for women or girls.

08

RESTRICT SECOND AMENDMENT

Government should impose tighter gun restrictions on all citizens, including law-abiding citizens.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDDISAGREE
View sources (3)
Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"As a hunter and gun owner I celebrate America, our constitutional rights and all who protect them."

Candidate WebsiteOpen source ↗

Husted backs bill to expand law enforcement concealed-carry rights

News SourceOpen source ↗

"I’m cosponsoring the Constitutional Carry Reciprocity Act (S. 65), which would allow people with concealed carry privileges in their home state to exercise those rights in other states with concealed carry laws... I’ve also joined the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act (S. 478), which would prevent veterans from losing their right to purchase firearms just because they get help managing their VA benefits."

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNAGREE
View sources (2)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "YEA" on S.2938 - Bipartisan Safer Communities Act: incentives for states to pass red flag laws (allowing for gun confiscation without proving criminality) and background checks for people under 21.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Bill Cosponsorship of S.25 - Assault Weapons Ban of 2023: makes it a crime to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon or large capacity magazine.

09

EDUCATION: Remove Sex/Gender Ideology from Classrooms

It is not government's role to teach or promote views on sexual or gender ideology.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDAGREE
View sources (3)
News SourceOpen source ↗

"Men should not compete in women's sports. Permanent medical decisions concerning gender should not be made when you are a child." (Husted on X, after the SAFE Act passed)

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

Husted, responding to a post that announced that the California State Assembly passed a bill allowing parents to lose custody of their children if they refuse to accept their child's gender transition, responded: "Parents, not the government, should make these decisions for their children."

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"Our schools and children are better off when parents care and are involved in their schools."

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNDISAGREE
View sources (2)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Cosponsored S.1689 - Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act of 2021, which would have: inserted federal requirements into sex education (rather than deferring to the states), requiring comprehensive sexual education beginning at age 10; repealing abstinence-oriented sex education; and requiring sexual orientation and gender identity material.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Cosponsored S.393 - Equality Act: would have prohibited discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in education (as well as in public accommodations and facilities, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system). Specifically, the bill defined and included sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination, which would open the door to changes in school curricula, including the potential requirement for textbooks to affirm and promote government-approved views on gender and sexuality.

10

GENDER TRANSITIONS FOR CHILDREN; TAXPAYER FUNDING

Allow sex-changes & other gender-altering treatments for children. Taxpayers should pay for others to receive sex-changes & gender-altering treatments.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDDISAGREE
View sources (3)
Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"I’ve been asked my opinion on HB 68. I support it for two main reasons: Men should not compete in women’s sports. Permanent medical decisions concerning gender should not be made when you are a child. I hope the SAFE Act will become law in Ohio."

News SourceOpen source ↗

"And we shouldn’t have these surgeries that create permanent medical outcomes for children before they are old enough to decide on their own."

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "YEA" on S.3386 — Health Care Freedom for Patients Act of 2025: would have prevented health-savings-account funds from being used for defined gender-transition procedures, including certain puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries.

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNAGREE
View sources (2)
WSYX-TV Interview, Columbus, July 19, 2023Open source ↗

When asked about JD Vance's proposed "Protect Children's Innocence Act" (which would have prohibited gender transitions for children), Brown replied, "A child's healthcare decisions are betwen them, their parents, their families and their doctors. Not politicians. I will never agree with anyone that wants to bring politics into the family situation with health care. Period."

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

"Similarly, we ask that HHS consider Medicaid coverage for patients traveling —or moving—to obtain gender-affirming care; provide technical assistance to providers on their obligations to provide care and protect patient privacy; and promote research and data collection on the impact of impeding or promoting access to gender-affirming care. We also urge HHS to robustly enforce the Affordable Care Act’s anti-discrimination provision, Section 1557, against health insurers and healthcare providers who discriminate against transgender people on the basis of sex."

11

BABIES BORN ALIVE: Require Medical Care for Babies who Survive Abortion

Babies born alive after surviving a failed abortion attempt have the right to life-saving medical care.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDAGREE
View sources (1)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "YEA" S.6 Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act — requires medical care for infants who survive an abortion.

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNDISAGREE
View sources (1)
US SenateOpen source ↗

Voted "NAY" on S.311 - Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act: a bill to prohibit a health care practitioner from failing to exercise proper care for a child who survives an abortion or attempted abortion.

12

ABORTION: Late-Term Abortion & Taxpayer-Funding

Women have a right to abort their babies through the ninth month. Citizens should pay for abortions for others.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDDISAGREE
View sources (4)
Candidate WebsiteOpen source ↗

“I’m supporting this bill to make sure American taxpayers with sincere moral and religious pro-life beliefs are never forced to fund abortion. I’ll continue to back solutions to support mothers and families and protect unborn children.”

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "YEA" on S.Amdt. 4794 to S.Con.Res. 33 : To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to extending the prohibition on Medicaid payments to abortion providers.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "YEA" on S.3386 - Health Care Freedom for Patients Act of 2025: containing restrictions on federal payments for health coverage that includes abortion outside specified exceptions.

The New Yorker: "The First Post-Trump Republican Race"Open source ↗

Husted, as Lt. Gov. of Ohio, praised Gov. DeWine's conservative record, which, according to Husted, included the following: "He signed the heartbeat bill, which protected life....he has done all of those things."

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNAGREE
View sources (3)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "NAY" on S.109 - a bill to ban taxpayer-funded abortions.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "NAY" on S.2311 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act: a federal ban on abortion after 20 weeks.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Voted "YEA" on cloture for S.4132 - Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022: no restrictions on abortion.

13

RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS

Protect individuals and organizations from being compelled to provide or facilitate services that violate sincerely-held religious beliefs.

Portrait of JON HUSTEDJON HUSTEDAGREE
View sources (2)
Candidate WebsiteOpen source ↗

“I’m supporting this bill to make sure American taxpayers with sincere moral and religious pro-life beliefs are never forced to fund abortion. I’ll continue to back solutions to support mothers and families and protect unborn children.”

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Cosponsor of S.Res.573 - This resolution will (if passed): reaffirm US leadership in promoting freedom of religion internationally; encourage the Secretary of State to use tools against governments that violate religious freedoms; reaffirm efforts to combat antisemitism; commit to supporting people seeking relief from religious repression.

Portrait of SHERROD BROWNSHERROD BROWNDISAGREE
View sources (3)
Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Cosponsored H.R.2725 - Do No Harm Act - Would amend the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to end certain religious exemptions. For instance, a cake baker would not be able to claim a religious exemption for baking a cake against the teachings of their faith. "Civil rights" would trump religious freedom.

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Bill Cosponsorship of S.1999 - Right to Contraception Act: would have removed religious exemptions for religious organizations that objected to providing a particular contraceptive. (The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 generally protects people from having their religious exercise burdened by the federal government, but S. 1999 would have overridden those protections.)

Congressional WebsiteOpen source ↗

Bill Cosponsorship of S.393 - Equality Act: would require businesses such as florists, photographers, venue owners, and bakers to participate in same-sex weddings or gender transition celebrations regardless of religious or moral objection.

The issue statements do not necessarily coincide with the views of Candidate Fact Sheet. This candidate fact sheet has been reviewed by a Constitutional attorney & is safe to distribute to churches.
OHIO · 2026

Governor

OHIO · 2026GOVERNOR

2026 ELECTION GUIDE

OHIO GOVERNOR

Review each position against the same issue statement.
Portrait of VIVEK RAMASWAMY

VIVEK RAMASWAMYR

Portrait of AMY ACTON

AMY ACTOND

Keep this guide handyDownload the published fact sheet, review every source, or share this race.
Download fact sheet ↓View source page ↗
9 issues
ISSUE & DESCRIPTIONSelect a source link to open the researchPOSITIONPOSITION
01

COST OF LIVING: Cut Government Spending & Regulations to Lower Prices

More government spending & regulations means higher prices & more taxes. Cutting spending & regulations is the path to affordability.

Portrait of VIVEK RAMASWAMYVIVEK RAMASWAMYAGREE
View sources (2)
CBS NewsOpen source ↗

"We will implement DOGE-style efficiency at the state level — cut the waste, end the bureaucracy, and give Ohioans their money back." (Ohio Governor Campaign, 2026)

NPROpen source ↗

"In his book Truths: The Future of America, published in September, Ramaswamy sketches out a possible DOGE playbook. In a section called 'The Path Forward' he lays out a 3-step plan. The first step — to 'appoint a czar who is accountable for permanently taming the administrative state' — has already been completed, with Trump creating DOGE. The second, he writes, is to embed lawyers in every agency to find unconstitutional regulations. And the third step: present these findings to the president — who could end regulation through executive order and therefore eliminate [government] jobs and possibly entire agencies. 'The appointed czar could lay the groundwork, so long as the president is ready to sign on the dotted line,' Ramaswamy writes.""

Portrait of AMY ACTONAMY ACTONDISAGREE
View sources (4)
Signal OhioOpen source ↗

"DOGE has made deep cuts to NOAA, the federal agency that funds much of the research monitoring Lake Erie's water quality and fisheries. Ohioans are paying the price for these reckless cuts." (Campaign statement, 2026)

Candidate WebsiteOpen source ↗

"That’s why I’m fighting for free breakfast and lunch."

Ideastream Public MediaOpen source ↗

"People need to understand a Republican governor, John Kasich, expanded Medicaid, because it was the smart thing to do."

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"Vivek Ramaswamy promises to do to Ohio what Musk is doing to America.

Congress is poised to slash Medicaid, which covers 800,000 Ohioans, to give tax cuts to billionaires.

Ohio needs a Governor who rejects the billionaire agenda and puts the well-being of everyday Ohioans first."

02

IMMIGRATION: Support Sanctuary Policies & Mass Amnesty

Help illegal immigrants avoid deportation. Provide mass amnesty.

Portrait of VIVEK RAMASWAMYVIVEK RAMASWAMYDISAGREE
View sources (3)
NBC NewsOpen source ↗

"I will end sanctuary city policies on day one... We will use the U.S. military to seal that border — not ask, not request, use the U.S. military." (2024 GOP Primary Debate)

NBCOpen source ↗

"He has managed to gain traction in the Republican field, building on positions like...supporting an end to birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrant parents.

'We can’t be a nation that says, we have these laws, but we somehow turned the other direction to reward the people who broke the law while there are millions more waiting to come here legally through the front door who we say can’t come. We can’t abide that hypocrisy,' he said in September in an interview with NBC News. 'Birthright citizenship does not and should not apply to the kids of parents who entered this country illegally.'"

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"Reasonable immigration policy:

1. No migration without consent.
2. Consent should only be granted to migrants who benefit America.
3. Migrants who enter without consent should be removed.

If Democrats disagree with any of that, they should say why. Voters deserve to know."

Portrait of AMY ACTONAMY ACTONDISAGREE
View sources (1)
Ideastream Public MediaOpen source ↗

"If people are here as criminals, if people are here illegally, we need to enforce the laws of this country and the laws of the state of Ohio. But we need to do that lawfully.

Ohioans everywhere I’m going, regardless of party, are heartbroken, they’re afraid, they are horrified (by the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis). They want to see public safety. But they want our communities, our frontline responders, to be well-trained and be good at what they do.

Quite frankly, the Statehouse is not fully funding the local funds (for law enforcement training). As governor, I’m going to be investing in that. But we need (ICE activity) to be lawful and we need a full and transparent investigation (of Good's death)."

03

REMOVE GENDER IDEOLOGY FROM THE CLASSROOM

Teaching gender theory and sexual orientation is not the role of teachers. Restore parents' authority in educational matters

Portrait of VIVEK RAMASWAMYVIVEK RAMASWAMYAGREE
View sources (2)
Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"TRUTH.

1. God is real.
2. There are two genders.
3. Human flourishing requires fossil fuels.
4. Reverse racism is racism.
5. An open border is no border.
6. Parents determine the education of their children.
7. The nuclear family is the greatest form of governance known to mankind.
8. Capitalism lifts people up from poverty.
9. There are three branches of the U.S. government, not four.
10. The U.S. Constitution is the strongest guarantor of freedoms in history."

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"Parents know what is best for their kids, not the U.S. Secretary of Education
@SecCardona
. I will shut down the U.S. Dept. of Education without apology & use its $80+ billion budget on school safety, school choice, and vocational programs, instead of foisting toxic ideologies onto kids."

Portrait of AMY ACTONAMY ACTONDISAGREE
View sources (2)
Ohio Education AssociationOpen source ↗

Endorsed by the Ohio Education Association (OEA), which only endorses candidates who align on certain issues, including whether government can impose restrictions on classroom content such as gender ideology and sexual orientation materials.

To earn the endorsement of the OEA, a candidate must:
*oppose book bans and censorship (OEA designated HB616 legislation that would have removed sexual and gender ideology from certain classrooms as censorship);
*protect educators' academic freedom;
*ensure students receive an "includive" education; and
*stop "state interference in the relationhip between educators, parents and students."

"COLUMBUS – February 26, 2026 – Ohio Education Association members across the state who serve on the OEA Fund’s State Convention are proud to unanimously recommend Dr. Amy Acton for Ohio’s next governor."

ENDORSEMENT: Ohio Federation of TeachersOpen source ↗

Endorsed by Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), which is a progressive union that actively supports teaching sexual orientation, gender identity, and other "divisive concepts" in classrooms from K-12.

Acton lobbied for the endorsement: "In advance of the endorsement vote, Dr. Acton addressed OFT Executive Council members and other OFT members at the union’s Local Leaders Conference in September and in a webinar held earlier this month." - https://www.oft-aft.org/press/ohio-federation-teachers-endorses-amy-acton-governor

OFT sponsors Action Network, who stood against HB 616: "HB 616 is an Attack on Honest & Inclusive Education. HB 616 is the latest attempt by politicians to control what can be taught in the classroom. The bill:

bans books;
prohibits teaching of 'divisive' concepts;
limits what can be used as continuing education credits for educators;
and includes a more expansive version of Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill that prohibits the education and discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools."

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/hb-616-is-an-attack-on-honest-inclusive-education/

04

PROTECT WOMEN'S SPORTS

Prohibit males identifying as females from using female restrooms and playing in women's sports.

Portrait of VIVEK RAMASWAMYVIVEK RAMASWAMYAGREE
View sources (2)
Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"If you believe boys should compete with girls in girls’ sports, you have no place in this movement."

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"The U.S. Dept of Education strikes again - now saying local schools can’t stop boys from competing in girls’ sports. It’s appalling that we spend *$83 billion per year* on this toxic agency. It’s rotten waste. That’s why I’ll shut it down without apology. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/06/education-department-unveils-title-ix-transgender-sports-eligibility-rule-00090894"

Portrait of AMY ACTONAMY ACTONAGREE
View sources (1)
The Buckeye FlameOpen source ↗

“I do not support boys playing in girls’ sports. This is already settled law in Ohio, and as governor I will enforce and uphold the law.”

05

ELECTION SECURITY: Require Citizenship & Voter ID

Require voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote.

Portrait of VIVEK RAMASWAMYVIVEK RAMASWAMYAGREE
View sources (1)
CBS NewsOpen source ↗

"Here's the way forward on election integrity: 1. Single Day Voting 2. Make Election Day a national holiday 3. Require an ID to vote 4. Require proof of citizenship to register to vote." (LinkedIn post, 2023)

Portrait of AMY ACTONAMY ACTONAGREE
View sources (1)
Signal OhioOpen source ↗

“This amendment has overwhelming support from Ohioans across the state. As this doesn’t change what is already law, as governor, I will support it,” Acton said.

06

SECOND AMENDMENT: Expand Second Amendment Rights

Government should not impose tighter gun restrictions on law-abiding citizens.

Portrait of VIVEK RAMASWAMYVIVEK RAMASWAMYAGREE
View sources (2)
Citizens CountOpen source ↗

"I recently became a gun owner, and I'll tell you why. It's because the Second Amendment was made for times like today." (NRA Convention, 2023)

Fox NewsOpen source ↗

"...I have already pledged to shut down the FBI and to rebuild a new federal law enforcement apparatus from scratch. This new apparatus can perform the function of background checks without creating a gun registry or shadow database - and I will shut down the ATF whose culture has become so toxic that it cannot merely be 'reformed,' Ramaswamy will say, according to a preview of the speech obtained by Fox News Digital.

"...Ramaswamy will also call for expanded Second Amendment rights for Americans, including making constitutional carry the 'law of the land.'

'I will support a national constitutional carry law that allows Americans to carry their firearms on their person, no matter what state you live in,' he will tell the crowd."

Portrait of AMY ACTONAMY ACTONDISAGREE
View sources (1)
Dr. Amy Acton for GovernorOpen source ↗

"We will undertake common sense reforms to reduce the scourge of gun violence." (actonforgovernor.com – Building Safer Communities)

07

GENDER TRANSITIONS FOR CHILDREN

Allow sex-change operations and puberty blockers for children.

Portrait of VIVEK RAMASWAMYVIVEK RAMASWAMYDISAGREE
View sources (2)
GLAADOpen source ↗

"It's perfectly legitimate to say that we won't allow genital mutilation or chemical castration through puberty blockers. If you're after 18 years old, you're free to decide whatever you want to do — that's what it means to live in a free country." (2024 Presidential Campaign)

Fox NewsOpen source ↗

"There isn't a state in this union that allows you to smoke an addictive cigarette before the age of 18, that allows you to get a tattoo before the age of 18 – that's a body-altering change that a kid may later regret in life," Ramaswamy said. "So, I think it is perfectly reasonable to say that if you're after 18 years old, you're free to decide whatever you want to do. That's what it means to live in a free country. But below the age of 18, I think it's perfectly legitimate to say that we won't allow genital mutilation or chemical castration through puberty blockers."

Portrait of AMY ACTONAMY ACTONUNKNOWN
Source not supplied
08

ABORTION: Late-Term Abortion

Women have a right to abort their babies through the ninth month.

Portrait of VIVEK RAMASWAMYVIVEK RAMASWAMYDISAGREE
View sources (2)
NBCOpen source ↗

"Life ends right when brainwaves end — that's how we determine when life ends on the back end. I think we should apply a consistent principle on the front end, that's around the six-week mark." (2024 Presidential Campaign)

NBC NewsOpen source ↗

"Ramaswamy is against a federal abortion ban, but he does support a six-week abortion ban at the state level. Ramaswamy has described himself as 'pro-life' and wants to expand post-birth policies that support mothers and fathers, and end federal funding to Planned Parenthood.

'Let’s walk the walk with respect to being pro-life as the U.S. president,' he told NBC News in September. 'I do support ending federal funding for Planned Parenthood on a number of grounds … The federal government should not be spending money on funding its favorite pet causes.'

Portrait of AMY ACTONAMY ACTONAGREE
View sources (5)
Dr. Amy Acton for GovernorOpen source ↗

"As a doctor, I trust women in consultation with their health care providers to make decisions about their own bodies, not politicians. As Governor, I will stand up to attacks from politicians against our fundamental freedoms and continue to protect abortion access." (actonforgovernor.com – Ensuring Reproductive Freedom)

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"3 years ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, opening the door to cruelty.

Ohioans stood up and demanded their rights. Now extremists want to once more ignore the will of the voters and criminalize abortion.

I trust the people of OH—I’ll fight to protect their freedom."

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"It’s been 4 years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and nearly 3 since Ohioans made it clear at the polls that we trust women to make their own decisions about their bodies.

Despite this, my opponent would overturn Issue 1 and override the will of the people. When I’m governor, I'll ensure that every woman in our state can continue to access safe reproductive care."

ENDORSEMENT: EMILY's ListOpen source ↗

National PAC funding pro-abortion-rights

ENDORSEMENT: Planned Parenthood of Greater OhioOpen source ↗

Ohio affiliate of Planned Parenthood (abortion rights)

09

GOVERNMENT CONTROL: Lockdowns

Support government closing businesses & schools & restricting citizens' movements during pandemic.

Portrait of VIVEK RAMASWAMYVIVEK RAMASWAMYDISAGREE
View sources (2)
Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"To everyone who wants to:
- Ban gas stoves
- Mandate electric vehicles
- Mandate Covid vaccines
- Implement lockdowns
- Ban “hate” speech
- Mandate diversity quotas

“MIND YOUR OWN DAMN BUSINESS!”

If that’s your point
@Tim_Walz
, welcome aboard. And if not, cut the damn shtick."

Candidate Social MediaOpen source ↗

"[Dr. Acton] led Ohio to be the *first* state in the nation to shut down public schools during Covid. Students suffered. Small businesses suffered. Families suffered. Now she wants to ruin our state again. She’s never coming anywhere near the levers of power in our state again."

Portrait of AMY ACTONAMY ACTONAGREE
View sources (3)
Ohio Government websiteOpen source ↗

"I, Amy Acton, MD, MPH, Director of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), pursuant to the authority
granted to me in R.C. 3701.13 to "make special orders...for preventing the spread of contagious or
infectious diseases" Order the following to prevent the spread of COVID-19 into the State of Ohio:
1. All school buildings that provide any kindergarten through grade twelve instruction in the State of
Ohio are to be closed to students beginning at 12:01 a.m. on March 17 and ending at 11:59 p.m.
on April 3, 2020."

Calfee MediaOpen source ↗

"With exceptions as outlined below, all individuals currently living within the State of Ohio are ordered to stay at home or at their place of residence except as allowed in this Order. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces when outside their residence, they must at all times and as much as reasonably possible, maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person, with the exception of family or household members, consistent with the Social Distancing Requirements set fo1th in this Order."

City BeatOpen source ↗

"According to Acton, as of today, Ohio has 351 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and three deaths; 83 people are hospitalized. The age range is 1 year old to 93 years old, with a median age of 51. Acton said this is the 'tip of the iceberg.'

'Every one of us matters and every day matters. But today is the day that matters,' she said. 'Today is the day we have to batten down those hatches. Today is the day we’re doing the final orders about staying at home and moving to a model of essential business.'"

The issue statements do not necessarily coincide with the views of Candidate Fact Sheet. This candidate fact sheet has been reviewed by a Constitutional attorney & is safe to distribute to churches.
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