What a Treasurer of State Does in Ohio
In Ohio, the Treasurer of State is the state’s chief financial officer, responsible for managing Ohio’s money, investments, and financial services. This elected official ensures the state’s funds are secure, supports economic growth through investment, and provides financial tools for Ohioans, impacting 11.8 million residents. The Treasurer 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 essential for maintaining Ohio’s fiscal health and public trust in state finances.
The Treasurer of State’s duties, outlined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 113.01–113.99), include:
- Managing State Funds
Collect and safeguard state revenues, such as taxes and fees, ensuring accurate accounting and secure deposits.
Example: Oversee the deposit of $10 billion in annual state tax revenue. - Investing State Money
Invest state funds in safe, profitable options like bonds or securities to earn interest while protecting taxpayer money.
Example: Invest surplus funds in municipal bonds to support Ohio infrastructure projects. - Paying State Obligations
Disburse funds for state expenses, such as employee salaries, vendor payments, and public services.
Example: Issue payments for Ohio’s public school funding. - Overseeing Debt Issuance
Manage the issuance and repayment of state bonds to fund projects like roads or schools, ensuring favorable terms.
Example: Coordinate a $500 million bond sale for highway improvements. - Providing Financial Services
Administer programs like Ohio’s college savings plans (e.g., CollegeAdvantage) or unclaimed funds recovery.
Example: Help a family reclaim $5,000 in unclaimed funds from a forgotten bank account. - Promoting Financial Literacy
Educate Ohioans on personal finance, budgeting, and saving through outreach and programs.
Example: Launch a statewide campaign to teach high school students about investing. - Ensuring Fiscal Transparency
Maintain clear records of state financial transactions and report to the public and lawmakers.
Example: Publish an annual report detailing Ohio’s investment earnings. - Engaging with Communities
Meet with Ohioans through events or forums to explain financial programs and address concerns.
Example: Host a town hall in Toledo to promote college savings plans.
The Treasurer of State works full-time, based in Columbus, with occasional travel to meet financial institutions, local officials, or communities. The role involves coordination with banks, state agencies, and the Ohio General Assembly. Compensation includes a salary (approximately $70,000–$80,000 in 2025, subject to change) and benefits. The position requires financial expertise and oversight, with steady workloads peaking during budget cycles or bond issuances.
How to Run for Treasurer of State in Ohio: Requirements and Steps
Running for Treasurer of State 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., legislator, mayor) during the term (ORC 3.15).
- Qualifications: No specific education or licensure is required, but candidates often have backgrounds in finance, accounting, business, or public administration. For example, prior roles as a county treasurer or financial executive are common.
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.
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 financial institutions or business groups. - Campaigning
Develop a platform addressing Ohio’s key issues (e.g., fiscal responsibility, economic growth, financial literacy). 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 Treasurer of State 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 financial management duties.
Deadline: Final reports due by early 2027.
Hypothetical 2026 Timeline (November 3 Election)
- June–July 2025: Confirm eligibility, 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 Treasurer of State’s Office: Insights into current responsibilities and initiatives.
www.tos.ohio.gov - Ohio Legislative Service Commission: Understand state government structure.
www.lsc.ohio.gov - 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.