Ohio Politics Explained

USA Today Network Ohio Bureau Chief Anthony Shoemaker speaks with politics reporter Laura Bischoff on the latest episode of the Ohio Politics Explained podcast. During this edition, we talk about Ohio’s upcoming May primary election, JobsOhio, and how a new dangerous dog law takes effect on March 20. Finally, we discuss how Ohio is restricting THC drinks and hemp products.

We discuss Gov. Mike DeWine's final State of the State, President Donald Trump's visit to southwest Ohio and why Sen. Jon Husted testified in a case tied to the House Bill 6 scandal.

We discuss the sudden resignation of former Ohio State University president Ted Carter and what comes next.

We discuss Ohio's cannabis referendum, sports teams that want to spend unclaimed funds, a request for voter information from the Department of Justice and why Sen. Jon Husted will likely testify in a corruption trial.

We discuss Ohio billionaire Les Wexner's ties to Jeffrey Epstein and his Feb. 18 testimony before a congressional panel.

Ohio lawmakers passed a major overhaul of the property tax system. Is it enough to help homeowners?

We discuss an effort to repeal the new marijuana and hemp law, what happened in Springfield this week and who's winning the money race for Ohio governor.

We discuss why Ohio is preparing for immigration enforcement in Springfield and a new trial starting in the House Bill 6 scandal.

We discuss Vice President JD Vance's visit to Toledo, a sharp drop in health care enrollment and legislation to ban 17-year-olds from getting married.

We discuss rumors about Columbus day cares, the U.S. attack on Venezuela and who Ohio's governor candidates chose as their running mates.

Ohio Bureau Chief Anthony Shoemaker speaks with politics reporters Laura Bischoff and Jessie Balmert to look back on big moments that happened in Ohio politics in 2025. During this episode, we also talk about what we’re looking ahead to in 2026.

We discuss why childcare is so expensive in Ohio and what state officials are trying to do about it.

We discuss bills before Gov. Mike DeWine that could slash property taxes and change Ohio's recreational marijuana law.

We discuss the end of the federal government shutdown, the latest in the Ohio governor's race and a bill dealing with religious alternatives to health care.

We discuss the Nov. 4 election in Ohio and what the results say about 2026.

We discuss what the federal government shutdown means for SNAP, problems at Central State University and how Ohio's congressional map could change for 2026.

We discuss lawmakers' latest efforts to regulate marijuana and hemp and how the Ohio House wants to cut $2 billion in property taxes.

We discuss Ohio's pause on executions and what the future may hold when Gov. Mike DeWine leaves office.

We discuss the latest action on property taxes, an increase in out-of-state abortions, how abortion opponents want to change health class and why marijuana companies are suing Ohio.

We discuss the Legislature's plan to tackle high property taxes, Ohio's first redistricting meeting and how Republicans are touting unity for the 2026 election.

We discuss the fallout from Charlie Kirk's assassination, union endorsements in the 2026 election and the latest lawsuit involving Ohio's teacher pension system.

We discuss Sen. Bernie Moreno's first months in office, a new Trump directive on sexual education and what's on the agenda when Ohio lawmakers return to Columbus.

We discuss Gov. Mike DeWine's decision to send Ohio National Guard members to Washington, D.C., and how Sherrod Brown's Senate campaign announcement is shaping the 2026 election.

We discuss the first year of adult-use marijuana sales in Ohio and what's in store for the program going forward.

We discuss a viral street fight in Cincinnati and how it became a talking point for Ohio politicians.