Ohio Politics Explained

We discuss Gov. Mike DeWine's budget proposal, Larry Householder's appeal, a new bill to regulate underage drinking and the musical chairs of the 2026 election.

We discuss how President Donald Trump's immigration policies are affecting Ohio, proposed changes to the recreational marijuana law, a new plan to end the death penalty and why parents want the state to take action on child care.

We discuss Inauguration Day, the 2026 governor's race, new indictments in the House Bill 6 scandal and a bill that would eliminate DEI at universities. 

We discuss the latest on Inauguration Day, potential changes to Ohio's Medicaid program and how the Ohio Republican Party chair made waves this week.

We discuss the latest with Ohio's Senate appointment, a new legislative session, which bills just became law and the first Democrat to join the 2026 race for governor.

We discuss the end of this year's lame duck session and what's ahead for Ohio politics in 2025.

We talk with one of Ohio's longest-serving lawmakers as he prepares to retire this month.

We discuss the latest on fracking, a bill that would ban the teaching of "gender ideology" in schools, whether lawmakers will pass a hemp ban and which Ohioans got pardoned by President Joe Biden.

We discuss depressed Democratic turnout in the Nov. 5 election, a controversial pension bill, another fight over Ohio's abortion laws and why an Amish order is suing the state. 

We discuss the battle for Ohio House speaker, the outcome of the 9th Congressional District race, how Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno views Donald Trump's cabinet picks and what might be next for Sen. Sherrod Brown.

We discuss the campaign for Vice President-elect JD Vance's Senate seat and how Ohio lawmakers will spend the final weeks of their two-year legislative session.

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 Tuesday’s general election and breakdown all the important race outcomes.

We break down the key races and issues on Ohio's Nov. 5 ballot.

We discuss mass voter challenges, an Ohio Supreme Court ruling on animal abuse, why infant deaths are increasing and how Ohio officials accidentally charged a dead person with illegal voting.

We discuss new rules for who can use ballot drop boxes, the current state of our congressional map, how transgender issues are dominating the Ohio Senate race and why House Republicans owe $1.6 million.

We discuss a key Ohio congressional race, why the Senate candidates may not debate, the status of a law banning foreign campaign contributions and how lawmakers are spending money on private schools.

We talk with supporters and opponents of Issue 1 and explain everything you need to know about the November ballot measure.

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 Tuesday's Vice Presidential debate. talk about how Ohio's voter registration deadline is quickly approaching, and discuss the recent abortion data that came out earlier this week.

We discuss the race between Sen. Sherrod Brown and businessman Bernie Moreno and how Ohio could tip the scales in the U.S. Senate.

We discuss why Bernie Moreno is facing criticism for his abortion comments, the latest infighting in Ohio's teacher pension system, a key endorsement for the anti-Issue 1 campaign and why Larry Householder is still spending campaign money.

We discuss the candidates running for Ohio Supreme Court in November and which issues are dominating those races.

We discuss the latest news out of Springfield, threats against Secretary of State Frank LaRose's office, what happened with the Issue 1 lawsuit and the state of Ohio's youth prisons. 

We break down how Springfield found itself in the middle of a national immigration debate - and what is and is not happening in the community.

We discuss Sen. JD Vance's record on addiction recovery, the status of Larry Householder's appeal, an effort by Republicans to recruit poll watchers for Ohio and how lawmakers want to change the rules around name, image and likeness.

We discuss the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and who showed up from Ohio -- and didn't.