LaRose seeks Ohio auditor post in 2026 race

Frank LaRose, Ohio's secretary of state, is running for state auditor as a Republican in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat Annette M. Blackwell, according to BallotReady election data.

LaRose announced his candidacy on Feb. 6, 2025, seeking to succeed term-limited auditor Keith Faber, according to Spectrum News. He is certified for the ballot. The auditor's office conducts audits of local governments, school districts and townships, including those in Warren County.

Candidate information

Party: Republican
Office sought: Ohio auditor
Born: April 18, 1979, at Akron City Hospital; grew up in Copley Township, Summit County
Education: bachelor's degree in business family and consumer sciences, The Ohio State University (2007); high school diploma, Copley High School (1997)
Residence: Central Ohio, where he lives with his wife, Lauren, and their three daughters, according to the secretary of state's biography page
Eagle Scout

Experience and public service

LaRose has served as Ohio secretary of state since 2019. Before that, he represented District 27 in the Ohio State Senate from 2011 to 2019, according to BallotReady. He also worked as a business manager and project lead at a consulting firm.

LaRose served in the U.S. Army and the Ohio National Guard. He received the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq, according to the secretary of state's biography. He serves as a board member for the Green Beret Foundation and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

On the issues

Government accountability and budget: LaRose said his campaign for auditor centers on applying the principles of transparency, efficiency and accountability to local government offices across the state, according to Spectrum News.

On his campaign website, LaRose said, "I'll help state and local government offices across Ohio more openly and efficiently manage our tax dollars and hold them accountable when they don't."

The Mason-Deerfield Times sent LaRose a candidate questionnaire. He had not responded as of publication.