What an Attorney General Does in Ohio
In Ohio, the Attorney General is the state’s chief legal officer, responsible for representing Ohio in legal matters, protecting consumers, and supporting law enforcement. This elected official defends state laws, pursues justice, and provides legal guidance to government entities, impacting Ohio’s 11.8 million residents. The Attorney General serves a 4-year term, with a two-term limit (consecutive or non-consecutive), elected in even-numbered midterm years (e.g., 2026, 2030). This role is vital for upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety across the state.
The Attorney General’s duties, outlined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 109.01–109.99), include:
- Representing the State
Defend Ohio, its agencies, and officials in lawsuits, and prosecute cases on behalf of the state.
Example: Defend a state law challenged in federal court over voting rights. - Enforcing Consumer Protection Laws
Investigate and sue businesses engaging in deceptive practices, protecting Ohioans from scams and fraud.
Example: File a lawsuit against a company for misleading advertising that harms consumers. - Supporting Law Enforcement
Oversee the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), provide forensic services, and train law enforcement officers.
Example: Deploy BCI to assist a county sheriff in solving a complex crime. - Issuing Legal Opinions
Provide formal legal advice to state agencies, legislators, and local officials on Ohio law.
Example: Advise a county prosecutor on the legality of a new local ordinance. - Fighting Organized Crime
Lead efforts against drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other organized crimes through task forces.
Example: Coordinate a statewide operation to dismantle an opioid trafficking ring. - Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Advocate for seniors, crime victims, and children through programs like elder abuse prevention or victim compensation.
Example: Fund a hotline for reporting nursing home neglect. - Managing Charitable Oversight
Regulate charitable organizations to ensure compliance with state laws and protect donors.
Example: Investigate a charity misusing donations meant for disaster relief. - Engaging with Communities
Meet with Ohioans through town halls or outreach to address legal concerns and promote safety initiatives.
Example: Host a forum in Cincinnati to discuss consumer fraud prevention.
The Attorney General works full-time, based in Columbus, with travel across Ohio to meet law enforcement, attend court, or engage communities. The role requires coordination with state agencies, local prosecutors, and federal authorities. Compensation includes a salary (approximately $100,000–$110,000 in 2025, subject to change) and benefits. The position demands legal expertise and leadership, with intense workloads during high-profile cases or legislative sessions.
How to Run for Attorney General in Ohio: Requirements and Steps
Running for Attorney General in Ohio involves a statewide campaign to secure a position on the ballot. The election is partisan, with candidates typically running as Republicans, Democrats, or independents. The next election is November 3, 2026, with the term starting January 11, 2027. Below is a detailed guide to running, tailored to Ohio’s rules for the 2026 cycle. Verify requirements with the Ohio Secretary of State and county boards of elections, as statewide races require coordination across Ohio’s 88 counties.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: At least 18 years old (Ohio Constitution, Article XV, Section 4).
- Residency: Be a resident of Ohio (no specific duration required in ORC, but candidates are typically long-term residents).
- Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in Ohio.
- No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold other public offices (e.g., judge, legislator) during the term (ORC 3.15).
- Qualifications: Must be admitted to the Ohio Bar and in good standing, with legal practice experience (ORC 109.02). Typically, candidates have backgrounds as prosecutors, private attorneys, or public officials.
Steps to Run for Office
- Research Local Rules
Review the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide and election laws for statewide races. Contact the Ohio Secretary of State’s office for filing deadlines and rules. Confirm your Ohio Bar status with the Ohio Supreme Court.
Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
Timeline: Start now (June 2025) to plan a statewide campaign. - Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
Complete a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 2-A for partisan candidates, Form 2-I for independents). Submit forms to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office in Columbus (not county boards). Choose a political party (Republican, Democratic, etc.) or run as an independent. Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account for tracking funds.
Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
Deadline: Partisan candidates: File by 4 p.m., 90 days before the primary (e.g., February 4, 2026, for May 5, 2026, primary). Independent candidates: File by 4 p.m., the day before the primary (e.g., May 4, 2026). - Collect Signatures
Gather signatures from registered Ohio voters to qualify for the ballot:- Partisan candidates: 1,000 valid signatures, with at least 50 from 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties (ORC 3513.05).
- Independent candidates: 5,000 valid signatures, with at least 50 from 44 counties (ORC 3513.257).
Use official petition forms (Form 2-A for partisan, 2-I for independent). Collect extra signatures (e.g., 1,500 for partisan, 7,500 for independent) to account for invalid ones.
Deadline: February 4, 2026 (partisan); May 4, 2026 (independent).
Tip: Use volunteers or hire a petition firm to cover Ohio’s urban and rural regions.
- Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
Partisan candidates pay a filing fee of ~$150, which may be waived with sufficient signatures. Independent candidates typically face no fee but require more signatures.
Deadline: February 4, 2026 (partisan).
Verify exact fees with the Secretary of State, as they may adjust. - Campaign Finance Registration
Register a campaign committee with the Ohio Secretary of State if raising or spending money. File regular finance reports (e.g., pre-primary, pre-general, post-election) per ORC 3517.10.
Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., June 2025). Pre-primary report due ~April 6, 2026 (30 days before primary). Pre-general report due ~October 3, 2026 (30 days before election).
Tip: Hire a finance consultant to ensure compliance. - Primary Election (If Applicable)
Partisan candidates must win their party’s nomination in the primary election. Campaign across Ohio to appeal to party voters (e.g., Republicans or Democrats). Independent candidates skip the primary.
Date: May 5, 2026 (first Tuesday after first Monday in May).
Tip: Participate in party debates and secure endorsements from bar associations or law enforcement groups. - Campaigning
Develop a platform addressing Ohio’s key issues (e.g., consumer protection, public safety, legal integrity). Engage voters through statewide rallies (e.g., in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati), TV and digital ads, and town halls. Follow Ohio’s campaign laws on advertising and signage.
Timeline: Start post-primary (June 2026) and peak in September–October 2026.
Tip: Focus on urban centers like Franklin County and rural areas like Scioto County. - General Election
Appear on the statewide ballot as the Attorney General candidate. Compete against other party nominees and independents.
Date: November 3, 2026 (first Tuesday after first Monday in November).
Resource: Ohio Election Calendar - Post-Election
If elected, take office on January 11, 2027. File final campaign finance reports, typically within 30–60 days after the election (e.g., December 2026–January 2027). Begin transition planning to assume legal and administrative duties.
Deadline: Final reports due by early 2027.
Hypothetical 2026 Timeline (November 3 Election)
- June–July 2025: Confirm eligibility, verify bar status, get forms from Secretary of State.
- August–December 2025: Collect signatures, begin fundraising.
- January 2026: Validate signatures with county boards.
- February 4, 2026: File partisan petitions by 4 p.m.
- April 6, 2026: File pre-primary finance report.
- May 4, 2026: Independent petitions due by 4 p.m.
- May 5, 2026: Primary election (partisan only).
- June–October 2026: Campaign statewide; file pre-general report (~October 3).
- November 3, 2026: Election Day.
- January 11, 2027: Take office.
Ohio-Specific Resources
- Ohio Secretary of State: Main hub for election information, forms, and deadlines.
www.ohiosos.gov/elections/ - County Boards of Elections: Verify signatures and local election rules (88 counties).
SOS County Directory - Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook: Guide for fundraising and reporting.
www.ohiosos.gov/campaign-finance/ - Ohio Attorney General’s Office: Insights into current responsibilities and initiatives.
www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov - Ohio State Bar Association: Verify bar status and connect with legal community.
www.ohiobar.org - Voter Lookup: Confirm your registration status.
Voter Lookup Tool
Since Ohio’s statewide races require signatures from 44 counties, contact the Secretary of State early for guidance and coordinate with county boards for signature verification.