Ohio Politics Explained

We discuss former Sen. Sherrod Brown's political future, fundraising in the Ohio governor's race and why Vice President JD Vance returned to Ohio.

We discuss why political outsiders, from JD Vance to Vivek Ramaswamy, are becoming more popular with Ohio voters. 

We discuss why Ohio will draw a new congressional map, the latest with a lawsuit over school vouchers and how the Ohio House voted on Gov. Mike DeWine's budget vetoes. 

We discuss Gov. Mike DeWine's budget vetoes, a lawsuit over Browns stadium money, what President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" means for Ohio and how LGBTQ advocates are trying to change the state constitution.

We discuss the two-year state budget and what Gov. Mike DeWine may do when it reaches his desk.

We discuss the new leader of the Ohio Democratic Party, the latest with the budget process, a fight over abortion waiting periods and how the Make America Healthy Again agenda is trickling into Ohio.

We discuss the Ohio Senate's proposed budget, a plan that would transform the property tax system and what's next for House Minority Leader Allison Russo.

Ten years ago, Jim Obergefell's U.S. Supreme Court case made gay marriage the law of the land. What does he make of LGBTQ rights in Ohio today?

We discuss a new plan to change Ohio's marijuana law, a surprise pardon from President Donald Trump, why lawmakers want to limit immigrants' property rights and how Trump's budget bill could affect Ohio Medicaid patients.

We discuss a proposed amendment to abolish property taxes, a plan to expand gambling, sexual misconduct allegations against a state lawmaker and why Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Ohio.

We discuss leadership changes at the Ohio Democratic Party, a bipartisan plan to relieve medical debt, the latest with Larry Householder and why lawmakers want to ban ranked choice voting.

We discuss the May 6 election, problems with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, a bill to revamp state energy policy and the latest with the Cleveland Browns stadium.  

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel joined Ohio Politics Explained to discuss his new job, higher education and whether he's thinking about a run for governor in 2026.

We discuss how Trump tariffs are affecting Ohio's pension systems, a new House Bill 6 documentary, a court ruling on Ohio's social media law for teens and why lawmakers don't want coroners to be elected.

We dissect Ohio's school voucher program and whether it's working as Republican lawmakers intended.

We discuss the two-year budget that passed the House, a key endorsement for Sen. Jon Husted and a proposal to ban China and Russia from buying property in Ohio.

We discuss a budget plan from House lawmakers, how Ohio Democrats are navigating Trump's second term and a new proposal to limit teens' social media use.

We discuss legislation to regulate hemp in Ohio, Sherrod Brown's next steps, the latest with Ohio's teacher pension system and how a Trump executive order could shape elections.

We discuss the latest on the higher ed bill, Sherrod Brown's next steps, whether Ohio could eliminate the state income tax and a lawsuit over Ohio's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

We discuss Gov. Mike DeWine's State of the State address, an Ohio Supreme Court case involving a former Columbus pastor and the latest directive to universities from the Trump administration.

Ohio fails to hold dog owners accountable when their dogs maim and even kill people, an investigation by USA TODAY Network Ohio found.

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 recap how President Donald Trump called on Congress to eliminate the CHIPS Act, talk about how Ohio’s marijuana program is likely to see some changes, and mention what’s happening with DEI and Senate Bil...

We discuss DEI programs at Ohio colleges, a new transgender bathroom law, Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign launch and a bill to change Ohio's marijuana program.

We discuss how the Trump administration could affect Ohio's universities and Medicaid program, possible changes to Ohio's marijuana law and the latest on Gov. Mike DeWine's return-to-work order.

We discuss Jim Tressel's appointment as lieutenant governor, a controversial higher ed bill passed by the Senate, the state of JobsOhio, and more.