Issue 1: Codify abortion rights in the Ohio Constitution
Results: Yes – 55.5%, No – 44.5%
Summary: Ohio voters approved Issue 1, which amends the Ohio Constitution to protect abortion rights. This measure was a direct response to the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the two landmark cases that legalized abortion nationwide.
Governor’s race:
Results: Democrat Tim Ryan – 51.1%, Republican Mike DeWine – 48.9%
Summary: Democrat Tim Ryan narrowly defeated incumbent Republican Governor Mike DeWine by a margin of 2.2%. This race was closely watched as a bellwether for the 2024 presidential election.
Attorney General’s race:
Results: Democrat Steve Dettelbach – 52.4%, Republican Dave Yost – 47.6%
Summary: Democrat Steve Dettelbach defeated incumbent Republican Attorney General Dave Yost by a margin of 4.8%. This race was also seen as a key indicator of voter sentiment in Ohio.
State Senate race:
Results: Democrats flipped control of the Ohio State Senate from the Republicans to a 23-14 split.
Summary: Democrats made significant gains in the State Senate, flipping five seats from Republicans. This shift in power could have a major impact on state lawmaking in the coming years.
State House race:
Results: Republicans retained control of the Ohio State House with a 59-41 split.
Summary: Republicans held onto their majority in the State House, but Democrats made small gains, picking up one seat. The State House remains in Republican control.
Marijuana legalization ballot measure:
Results: Yes – 51.5%, No – 48.5%
Summary: Ohio voters narrowly rejected a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21. The measure would have allowed individuals to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to four plants per household.