AGP Executive Report

Ohio Campaign Trail: Donald Trump rallied in Youngstown for Sen. Jon Husted and gubernatorial hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, attacking Haitian and Somali immigrants as supporters chanted “deport.” A protester was punched in the crowd; Trump mocked her instead of urging calm. Data Center Fight: The AI boom is emerging as a major Ohio campaign issue, with 20 data-center-related ballot measures across 17 jurisdictions this November and backlash shaping the Senate race between Husted and Sherrod Brown. Voting Watch: Early in-person turnout is rising across the state, while federal election-crime charges include three noncitizens accused of illegal voting in Ohio. State Policy: Gov. Mike DeWine has directed Ohio EPA to begin the process of ending Northeast Ohio’s E-Check vehicle emissions program.

Ohio Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump returned to Youngstown for his second Ohio rally in 10 days, urging voters to back Sen. Jon Husted and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The frequent visits underscore Republican concerns about close races, including Husted’s contest with Sherrod Brown. Voter Mood: A Bowling Green State University poll found Democrats narrowly ahead in both the governor’s and Senate races, while 61% of likely voters said the country is on the wrong track. Election Watch: More than 170,000 Ohioans have already voted early, with officials reporting higher turnout than in past elections. Three noncitizens were charged with illegal voting in Ohio, part of a multistate federal election-crimes probe. Data Center Backlash: Piqua voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to limit a proposed Meta data center and whether to recall three city leaders, as concerns over local impacts cut across party lines.

Data Center Backlash: Opposition to AI facilities is becoming an Ohio election issue. Near Grove City, a seven-generation farming family rejected a developer’s offer for land, while President Trump’s support for data centers has alienated some voters. Ohio Midterms: Trump rallied Republicans in Youngstown as Sen. Jon Husted faces a tight race against Sherrod Brown. GOP-aligned groups have spent more than $54 million attacking Brown, and the data-center fight could complicate Husted’s campaign. Voting and Election Rules: Early voting figures point to Democratic gains in some of Ohio’s most Trump-friendly counties. The state is also pressing the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its case over prediction markets as officials move to curb election-related betting.

Ohio Midterms: Early-voting figures suggest Democrats are gaining in some of Ohio’s most pro-Trump counties, as tight statewide races draw national attention. Trump is due in Youngstown to campaign for Republican Senate candidate Jon Husted and gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy; Ramaswamy has vowed to end sanctuary-city policies. Gambling Policy: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton supports considering online casino gambling in Ohio, but has not outlined safeguards. A New York Times investigation reported that DraftKings used promotions to encourage customers likely to gamble and lose more. Kennedy Center Lawsuit: Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty’s challenge to decisions by the Trump-controlled board faces a new fight: the Justice Department is invoking executive privilege to block questions about Trump’s role, while a judge ordered the center to provide more financial records. Regional Projects: The OKI council approved $65 million in federal funding for 37 Greater Cincinnati-area transportation projects, including work on Victory Parkway and the Western Hills Viaduct.

Ohio Campaign Trail: President Trump is heading to Youngstown to campaign for Sen. Jon Husted and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy as both races tighten. Husted faces former Sen. Sherrod Brown, while Ramaswamy is up against Democrat Amy Acton. Trade and Jobs: Ohio-based Cleveland-Cliffs says layoffs will proceed at its Canadian steel operations despite Ottawa’s legal threat, citing weak demand and the U.S.-Canada trade dispute. Ohio manufacturers also say Trump’s tariffs are driving up costs ahead of the midterms. Turnout Strategy: Ohio Democrats are looking to Hungary’s opposition campaign as a model, with a field organizer saying high turnout in Democratic strongholds could help Brown win.

Ohio Senate Race: The contest between Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Sen. Jon Husted is tightening, with Republicans pouring money into the race; a recent poll cited in coverage put Brown ahead by eight points. Governor’s Race: Vice President JD Vance endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy, who is pitching jobs and tax relief. The winner could shape whether Ohio renews its participation in a federal scholarship tax-credit program, a sharp divide between Ramaswamy’s school-choice stance and Amy Acton’s support for public schools. State Senate: Democrat Michael Kripchak is challenging Republican Al Cutrona in District 33, criticizing lawmakers over data-center deals and arguing the state should provide more education funding to ease pressure on local property taxes. Business and Trade: An aluminum manufacturer in North Jackson says tariffs have added millions in costs, giving Democrats a fresh affordability issue to press as Ohio voters weigh the economy.

Midterm Campaign: JD Vance rallied Ohio Republicans in Lima, backed Vivek Ramaswamy for governor and attacked Democrats as GOP leaders work to shore up the state. The Senate race remains a key battleground, while Marcy Kaptur’s ad opposing transgender athletes has drawn backlash from Democrats and LGBTQ+ groups as she seeks reelection in Ohio’s 9th District. Voting: Early voting is underway, and Secretary of State Frank LaRose launched an initiative to encourage first-time voters while announcing an enhanced audit of voter rolls. Issue 3, which would change Ohio’s voter ID rules, is also on the ballot. Local Issues: Akron’s chamber of commerce has come out against a housing measure on the ballot, adding to debate over how the city should address housing needs. Courts: An Ohio jury convicted political blogger “The Rooster” of harassing a state senator by sending an explicit Shrek meme.

Ohio Midterms: Vice President JD Vance rallied Republicans in Lima, backing gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy and attacking Democrat Amy Acton and Senate candidate Sherrod Brown. The governor’s race is tightening, while GOP Sen. Jon Husted faces Brown in a contest that could shape Senate control. Republicans are pouring money into Ohio: candidates and outside groups had spent about $250 million on ads by September’s end, with another $140 million booked. Voting and Election Security: Early voting is underway. Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced an enhanced audit of voter rolls, and Cuyahoga County officials are promoting election security ahead of the midterms. Cost of Living: Ohio’s diesel tax holiday is offering farmers limited relief, according to an agricultural economist, as fuel prices and household costs remain central campaign issues. Ohio’s Economy: Bayer plans a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in central Ohio, while voters weigh claims of economic growth against job losses and rising costs.

Behavioral Health: Ohio’s Four County ADAMhs Board received $211,000 in grants, including funding for employment services for people with substance-use issues and disaster-response training. Governor’s Race: Ohio’s three candidates for governor are making gas taxes, data centers and property taxes central issues as voters prepare to choose a successor to Mike DeWine. Election Watch: Secretary of State Frank LaRose has announced an enhanced audit of Ohio’s voter rolls, while election officials are urging voters to learn their options for voting by mail or in person. Senate Contest: Campaign advertising is pouring into Ohio’s close U.S. Senate race; a Washington Post analysis found groups spent $138 million on ads supporting Republican Jon Husted. Farm Costs: An Ohio State economist says the state’s diesel tax holiday will bring farmers little relief—about 20 cents per acre on average—and argues direct payments would be more effective.

Election 2026: Ohio’s early-voting period is underway, with voters lining up as campaigns make their final push. New polling spotlights the close governor and Senate contests; Sherrod Brown leads in at least one Senate survey, while affordability remains a central concern. Public Funds: Three people, including Eastern Gateway Community College’s former president, have been indicted in an alleged $20 million theft from the school. Energy and Local Control: Data centers are emerging as a campaign issue as communities challenge projects over power demands and local decisions. Traffic Stops: A new Ohio law requires drivers and passengers to provide their name, address and birth date when an officer reasonably suspects a traffic violation; refusal can bring misdemeanor penalties.

Drug Costs: A Toledo woman who depends on medication from Canada fears losing access when a federal customs rule takes effect Oct. 22, adding new requirements to low-value shipments. Eastern Gateway: Ohio Auditor Keith Faber and federal officials are set to announce criminal charges tied to the failed community college, a major development in the ongoing investigation. Midterm Campaign: Early voting is underway as Ohio’s Senate and governor races tighten. Affordability, healthcare and education are key voter concerns, while candidates face growing frustration with political ads. Data Center Debate: Proposed projects are sharpening political divides across Ohio, including a New Albany-area power plant proposal drawing public concern. Burke Airport: Cleveland City Council heard renewed calls from pilots and businesses to invest in Burke Lakefront Airport as Mayor Justin Bibb’s push to close it remains stalled.

Election 2026: Early voting is underway in Ohio, where close races for governor and U.S. Senate are drawing attention. Polls show Sherrod Brown leading Jon Husted, while Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy are battling for the governor’s office. Data Center Debate: Opposition to data centers is becoming a campaign issue, with Ohio communities raising concerns about power use and development. Trump has defended the projects, warning they could move to China. Eastern Gateway Probe: Auditor Keith Faber and federal education officials are set to announce new criminal charges tied to the defunct Eastern Gateway Community College. At the Pump: Ohio lawmakers approved a temporary suspension of state gas and diesel taxes, offering drivers short-term relief.

Ohio Elections: Early voting is underway for the Nov. 3 election, with close races for governor and U.S. Senate drawing attention. Recent polls show Democrat Sherrod Brown leading Sen. Jon Husted and Democrat Amy Acton ahead of Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. Voting Rights: Newly disclosed federal records show ICE gathered tens of millions of voter records and investigated voter-registration groups nationwide, raising questions about federal involvement in elections run by state and local officials. Local Issues: Data-center development is becoming a campaign flashpoint as Ohio communities debate zoning and energy demands; Defiance City Council is weighing new rules. Health and Services: Developmental-disability levies will return to ballots in Delaware County and 11 other counties. In Delaware County, the levy’s failure could put services and programs for residents at risk.

Ohio Supreme Court: Voters will decide two Ohio Supreme Court Justice races in November—Democratic Justice Jennifer Brunner vs. Republican Colleen O’Donnell, and Democrat Marilyn Zayas vs. incumbent Republican Daniel Hawkins—setting up a fight over the court’s direction. Early Voting & Campaign Trail: Sherrod Brown met with students at Ohio State as the special Senate election spotlights affordability and data centers, while Marcy Kaptur drew early voters in Lucas County citing cost-of-living pressure. Midterms Watch: A new Marquette Law School poll shows Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race tightening, with Ohio named among states where Democrats see openings. Nuclear & Energy: Google backed nuclear plant uprates via a power deal, and the federal government is preparing a $4.2B loan for Vistra to boost output at Lake Erie-area plants. Ohio Courts & Law: A federal judge dismissed an Ohio retiree’s suit over retirement benefit shortfalls tied to an interest-rate change. Local Government: Washington County voters will weigh a behavioral health levy renewal.

Midterms & Ohio Politics: Ohio early voting is underway for the Nov. 3 election, with coverage highlighting races to watch and how voters can get ready before Election Day. U.S. Senate & Campaign Tactics: President Trump is again leaning hard on rally crowd-size disputes, attacking the New York Times and other outlets and insisting venues were “maxed out,” even as reporting points to empty seats. Statehouse & Elections Admin: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose says Ohio REALTORS can earn continuing education credits by serving as poll workers. Energy, Jobs & Industry: Bayer announced a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing investment in New Albany, promising about 600 jobs plus construction work. Public Safety & Courts: A Logan police officer asked a federal court for summary judgment in a lawsuit over alleged “seized” check information. Health & Community: New York declared a measles emergency as cases surge, with Ohio also seeing increases.

Ohio Election Countdown: Early voting starts Tuesday statewide, with Ohio’s registration deadline already passed; voters can vote early in person, by mail, or on Election Day, and officials urge checking VoteOhio.gov before casting a ballot. U.S. Senate Stakes: A new AP look at the midterm map flags Ohio as a toss-up state in the fight for Senate control, where Democrats need four seats to take the majority. Trump in Ohio—Again: President Trump is set to return to Ohio next week for a Youngstown rally at Covelli Centre (Oct. 12), after his recent Vandalia stop tied to a fresh fight over rally crowd size claims. Rally Crowd Feud: Trump escalated his dispute with media over reports of empty seats at his Ohio event, even calling for reporters to be arrested. Energy & Jobs: The U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $4.2B in financing for Vistra nuclear upgrades in Pennsylvania and Ohio, aimed at extending reactor operations and boosting capacity. Worker Safety: Ohio’s BWC dividend is prompting county commissioners to discuss using the money for employee safety improvements. Local Governance: Bowling Green City Council narrowed ward redistricting to Map 22 for adoption. Disaster Aid: FEMA assistance is now available for residents in seven Ohio counties hit by August storms.