Key Takeaways
- Of the ten ABC-endorsed candidates on the 2026 Ohio primary ballot, five advanced to the general election and five were defeated, producing a mixed but instructive read on grassroots engagement.
- Statewide, Kristina Roegner narrowly lost the Republican primary for Ohio Treasurer to Jay Edwards by a 47%–53% margin, underscoring how turnout decides down-ballot races.
- Merit shop allies Craig Reidel, Zach Haines, Sean Hutson, Mike Kahoe, and Patti Rockey won their primaries, strengthening prospects for a pro–open competition bloc in Columbus if they win in November.
- The 48%–52% Beth Lear loss and other narrow defeats show that a few thousand votes from engaged contractors could have changed multiple outcomes.
- The mixed results make grassroots engagement through ABC of Ohio, ABC National tools, and the ABC Action App decisive heading into the 2026 general election.
Full results: Ohio Decides – Election Night Reporting
Introduction: What the 2026 Ohio Primary Election Means for Merit Shop Construction
The May 5, 2026, Ohio primary election delivered results that every merit shop contractor in the Ohio Valley region should study carefully. Of the ten ABC-endorsed candidates on the primary election ballot, five advanced toward November and five were defeated. This split matters directly for prevailing wage policy, project labor agreements, licensing reform, and workforce funding in the next legislative biennium.
This analysis focuses on the impact on the construction industry, not partisan politics. Merit shop philosophy, which emphasizes open competition and the ability to choose contractors based on merit rather than union affiliation, is a key principle for the 9-of-10 non-union construction workforce ABC Ohio Valley represents across Southwest and West Central Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana.
For context on why turnout ran high: Republicans Vivek Ramaswamy and Rob McColley won their primary for Ohio governor with 82.47% of the vote, while Democrat Amy Acton was unopposed in her democratic primary. Former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, known for his long tenure in Washington, won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate with 89.47% of the vote, defeating Ron Kincaid. In Ohio’s 1st Congressional District, Eric Conroy won the Republican primary with 71.9% while incumbent Greg Landsman won the Democratic primary with 68%. These high-profile races, as called and projected by the Associated Press, drove attention and turnout that shaped outcomes in every down-ballot contest.
The construction industry in Ohio is significantly influenced by the political landscape, as changes in leadership can lead to shifts in regulations and funding for infrastructure projects. The May 5, 2026, Ohio primary election results, widely reported by the press, suggest a political shift that may influence labor policies beneficial to merit shop contractors. The merit shop construction industry in Ohio is anticipated to expand its market share due to a favorable political environment.
Statewide Scoreboard: Treasurer Primary and the Stakes for Construction Finance
The Ohio Treasurer race rarely generates headlines like those in the contests for Ohio governor, attorney general, or the U.S. Senate. But for contractors, this office oversees bonding authority, capital project financing, and infrastructure debt issuance—over $2.5 billion in outstanding infrastructure bonds —under state law and legal frameworks governing public finance and construction funding.
Kristina Roegner vs. Jay Edwards
ABC-endorsed Kristina Roegner, a former state senator who sponsored 2023 legislation raising prevailing wage thresholds from $75,000 to $250,000 on public projects, lost the Republican primary to Jay Edwards. The final margin: Edwards 53%, Roegner 47%. Following the results, Edwards issued a statement emphasizing the importance of sound construction finance policies and his commitment to supporting Ohio’s infrastructure needs.
This closer-than-expected result—pre-election polls predicted 10+ points—underscores how targeted turnout determines down-ballot outcomes. A swing of a few thousand votes from construction-minded voters in suburban Cuyahoga and Franklin counties could have changed this race entirely, mirroring dynamics in other narrow contests, like Beth Lear’s defeat.
The general election outcome will shape long-term capital availability for schools, transportation, and vertical construction work, which are important to ABC Ohio Valley members across our 40-plus-county footprint.
Legislative Wins: Five ABC-Endorsed Candidates Advance for 2026 General Election
Legislative races drive most day-to-day policy affecting merit shop construction: prevailing wage statutes, PLA restrictions, contractor licensing rules, and workforce development funding. ABC-endorsed candidates scored five legislative wins in the 2026 Ohio primary election—two Ohio Senate candidates and three Ohio House candidates, all in republican primary contests. These candidates aim to bring people to the table to ensure fair and inclusive policy decisions that reflect the interests of the entire construction industry.
These gains represent opportunity, not victory. Each winner, whether incumbent or challenger, must convert in November to influence committee votes next biennium. The three Ohio House candidates emerged victorious in highly competitive House races, defeating their challengers to advance to the general election.
Ohio Senate Victories
Craig Reidel: Narrow Win in Butler and Warren Counties
Craig Reidel won his State Senate Republican primary by the narrowest margin of the night: 51%–49%, translating to 28,456 votes versus 27,012. This razor-thin victory in a district covering Butler and Warren counties—key commercial and industrial growth corridors—positions Reidel for a seat influencing Senate Workforce Committee votes on PLA bans. ABC-coordinated jobsite voter drives reportedly added approximately 1,200 votes per precinct, according to an analysis on Signal Cleveland.
Zach Haines: Commanding Victory in Montgomery and Greene Counties
Zach Haines dominated his contest at 77%–23% (42,318 to 12,567), leveraging 80%+ support in Wright-Patterson AFB-adjacent precincts across Montgomery and Greene counties. His commanding win sends a clearly pro–merit-shop voice toward an Ohio Senate seat, with robust grassroots backing and a pro-apprenticeship stance amid $500M+ in annual federal construction flows.
Together, Reidel and Haines represent two potential new merit shop allies in the Ohio Senate’s 33-member body. A two-seat shift can alter committee math on PLA prohibitions and prevailing wage threshold reforms.
Ohio House Victories
Sean Hutson: Rural Infrastructure Advocate
Sean Hutson won his State Representative primary with a 69%–31% margin (18,934 to 8,423) in a rural, infrastructure-focused district spanning Madison and Champaign counties. This clear result signals strong support for his merit shop–aligned platform.
Mike Kahoe: Licensing Reform Champion
Mike Kahoe secured a 65%–35% victory (22,167 to 11,712) in suburban Cincinnati and Warren County—growth corridors with $1.2 billion in 2025 permitting. His campaign emphasized licensing reform to curb overregulatory burdens that cost merit shops 15-20% in compliance costs, per ABC studies.
Patti Rockey: Workforce Development Leader
Patti Rockey achieved a decisive 71%–29% win (19,456 to 7,743) in Delaware County and Columbus exurbs, an area experiencing significant data center development. ABC Action App alerts reached 2,500+ in-district users, boosting her margin and positioning her as a champion for merit-shop apprenticeship and workforce development.
Carey Coleman: Key Challenger in Ohio’s 13th District
Carey Coleman also won the Republican primary for Ohio’s 13th District and will challenge incumbent Emilia Sykes in the general election, adding another key race to watch for merit shop construction interests.
Three new pro–merit-shop state rep candidates, if they win in November, can materially strengthen the voting bloc on the House Commerce, Labor, and Finance committees. A shift of five reliably merit-shop–friendly seats across several cycles typically changes outcomes in close committee and floor votes, affecting ABC Ohio Valley members’ ability to compete.
Legislative Losses: Hard Lessons from Five Narrow and Not-So-Narrow Defeats
Five ABC-endorsed candidates lost their 2026 Ohio primary races—one statewide and four legislative contests—falling to their opponents in highly competitive campaigns. In some cases, issues such as corruption or the influence of money in politics may have played a role in shaping outcomes and swaying voters.
Each loss carries specific lessons for advocacy and grassroots mobilization. It is important to look past these setbacks and focus on future advocacy and engagement to strengthen the merit shop construction voice in upcoming elections.
These defeats don’t negate progress from the five wins. But they reveal gaps in turnout, message, and engagement that can be corrected. Construction-focused voters can decide close races when activated early via ABC Action App alerts and coordinated outreach.
Close-Call Senate Loss
Beth Lear’s 48%–52% Defeat
Beth Lear lost her State Senate primary 48%–52% (25,678 to 27,734)—a 3.8-point defeat mirroring Roegner’s statewide margin. ABC Ohio Valley estimates that approximately 1,800 additional merit-shop votes from the district’s 5,000+ member employees could have flipped this race.
Lear’s defeat removes a potential strong ally on the PLA and prevailing wage reforms from the November ballot. Districts decided by 4 points or less should become priority areas for ABC of Ohio and ABC Ohio Valley grassroots work in upcoming cycles.
House Losses
Andy Brenner: Fundraising Gaps and Turnout Challenges
Andy Brenner, who had served multiple terms in the Ohio legislature, lost his State Representative primary 43%–57% (14,523 to 19,087), down from his 55% 2024 result amid fundraising gaps of $450K versus his opponent’s $720K. While not razor-thin, stronger contractor engagement and early education on his merit shop voting record could have narrowed this margin.
Larry Kidd: Low Turnout in Construction Precincts
Larry Kidd fell 37%–63% (9,856 to 16,512) despite a perfect scorecard on prevailing wage votes. Low 25% turnout in construction precincts hurt his campaign, underscoring the need for earlier, systematic support from ABC’s Free Enterprise Alliance in targeted districts.
Wezlynn Davis: Vote Splitting in a Three-Way Race
Wezlynn Davis placed third in a three-way race at 31% (7,945 votes), behind the winner at 45% (11,412) and second place at 24% (6,112). Vote splitting diluted merit shop support by 12% in the per-district analysis, highlighting multi-candidate risks without early consolidation via tools like the Ohio Merit Shop Scorecard.
These losses provide a clear mandate: expand year-round political education, enhance peer-to-peer outreach among contractors, and deploy the ABC Action App to drive targeted turnout in future primary cycles.
Policy Stakes: Why Five Seats Can Change the Rules for Ohio Valley Contractors
Ohio legislators determine the rules under which ABC Ohio Valley members build: prevailing wage requirements, PLA restrictions or mandates, licensing regimes, workforce development funding, and the overall tax and regulatory climate. A handful of seats in the Ohio House and Senate can alter committee majorities on construction-related bills.
Prevailing Wage Policy
- Modest changes to thresholds, coverage definitions, or enforcement rules significantly affect labor costs, bid competitiveness, and project pipelines.
- These policies also influence the funding available for public projects like schools, which impacts the quality of education and future opportunities for Ohio’s kids.
Project Labor Agreements (PLAs)
- Candidates opposing government-mandated Project Labor Agreements indicate a potential policy shift that would allow merit shop firms to compete more for state-funded projects.
- A stronger merit-shop bloc can support bills that limit government-mandated PLAs on public works.
Licensing and Regulatory Burden
- The Ohio E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act requires nonresidential construction contractors and subcontractors to use the federal E-Verify system for all new hires, effective March 19, 2026.
- Violations can lead to fines up to $25,000 and a two-year debarment from state contracts.
Workforce Funding
- Ohio’s construction industry is currently dealing with a labor shortage of approximately 14,000 skilled workers, with the shortage expected to worsen in 2026.
- Economic policy changes in Ohio may result in a need for approximately 499,000 new workers nationally by 2026.
- Merit shop organizations are advocating for tax credits for employers who provide training in approved apprenticeship programs.
- Political candidates’ positions on infrastructure spending and labor regulations can directly impact the construction industry’s growth, the availability of skilled labor in Ohio, and the ability to provide good education and career pathways for kids entering the future workforce.
Policy Impact Summary Table
| Policy Area | Impact on Merit Shop Contractors |
|---|---|
| Prevailing Wage Policy | Affects labor costs, bid competitiveness, and project pipelines; influences funding for public projects |
| Project Labor Agreements | Determines ability to compete for state-funded projects; PLA bans increase open competition |
| Licensing & Regulatory | E-Verify and licensing rules affect compliance costs and eligibility for state contracts |
| Workforce Funding | Impacts availability of skilled labor, apprenticeship opportunities, and long-term industry growth |
Merit shop contractors are likely to lead growth in high-demand sectors such as data centers and industrial projects in Ohio. The Ohio Valley Associated Builders and Contractors projects a 17% to 20% increase in data center construction spending for 2026.
Reading the 2026 Primary: Turnout, Tools, and the Merit Shop Ground Game
The 2026 Ohio primary election results deliver a practical lesson in turnout mechanics, not ideology. Small differences in engagement among construction professionals changed—or could have changed—multiple outcomes.
The 47%–53% Roegner and 48%–52% Lear margins illustrate how targeted outreach to ABC member contractors, project managers, field leaders, and crews provides the swing votes needed in future primaries.
ABC Action App: This central mobilization tool delivers race-specific alerts, candidate information, and one-click access to contact legislators or share voter registration resources with employees. The app reached over 1.5 million national downloads, with Ohio-specific alerts covering 50+ races.
Ohio Merit Shop Scorecard: This objective accountability framework ranks every Ohio legislator on key votes affecting contractors (2025 edition: average Republican 72/100, Democrat 38/100), providing members with credible data to share with colleagues, neighbors, and local business groups during both the primary and general election seasons.
The mixed 5–5 result shows that penetration and usage must increase, especially among medium-sized firms and their extended networks. A disciplined ground game—consistent communication, early vote planning, and peer leadership on jobsites—determines whether current opportunities become real legislative power after November.
Looking Ahead to November: Converting Primary Momentum into General Election Wins
The path from the May 6, 2026, Ohio primary through the November 2026 general election includes critical dates:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Voter registration deadline | October 10, 2026 |
| Early voting begins | October 4, 2026 |
| General election day | November 3, 2026 |
ABC of Ohio’s advocacy team, coordinating with ABC Ohio Valley and ABC National’s Free Enterprise Alliance, will support the five ABC-endorsed primary winners—Reidel, Haines, Hutson, Kahoe, and Rockey—through candidate education forums, jobsite visits, and policy briefings on prevailing wage, PLAs, and workforce funding.
The political landscape post-primary election in Ohio is leaning towards policies that promote open competition and reduce regulatory burdens for merit shop contractors.
The democratic primary winners in statewide races—Amy Acton for Ohio governor and Sherrod Brown for U.S. Senate—alongside their Republican nominees will shape turnout patterns in November. These patterns directly influence down-ballot legislative races where ABC-endorsed candidates are competing.
View the general election not as a single Tuesday night event, but as a months-long advocacy campaign. Every conversation with employees, subcontractors, suppliers, and local chambers helps secure a more favorable policy environment in Columbus.
Call to Action: How ABC Ohio Valley Members Should Engage Now
The 2026 Ohio primary election results are a clear signal: merit shop contractors can win when they mobilize, but the mixed 5–5 record proves there is no room for complacency heading into November.
Engage through the Six Pillars commitment:
- Download or open the ABC Action App immediately—ensure notifications are enabled and verify your contact information and legislative districts are accurate.
- Integrate the Ohio Merit Shop Scorecard into internal communications—toolbox talks, safety meetings, foreman meetings—so employees understand how legislators have voted on prevailing wage, PLAs, licensing, and workforce bills.
- Support the five primary winners (Craig Reidel, Zach Haines, Sean Hutson, Mike Kahoe, Patti Rockey) through ABC of Ohio’s approved grassroots channels.
- Prepare for a robust general election push—confirm that employees are registered to vote at their current addresses, share nonpartisan voter information resources, and engage suppliers and trade partners in conversations about legislative impact.
- Contact ABC Ohio Valley staff for district-specific briefings on how the 2026 election landscape affects your projects and long-term business plans.
ABC Ohio Valley remains the regional voice for merit shop construction across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The work between now and November determines whether five primary wins translate into real legislative power for the communities we serve.
FAQ
How do these 2026 Ohio primary results compare to previous cycles for merit shop priorities?
The 2026 primary produced a more mixed outcome than recent cycles, with an even 5–5 split for ABC-endorsed candidates. The 2024 cycle saw ABC Ohio endorse 15 candidates with 11 wins (73%), while 2022 delivered 12 of 18 (67%). The growing number of competitive primaries—35% of GOP primaries contested, up from 22% in 2022, per Ballotpedia—reflects increased awareness of construction policy among candidates and voters. The key lesson: primaries have become the primary battleground, requiring year-round engagement.
What specific issues define a “merit shop–friendly” candidate in these races?
ABC evaluates candidates based on positions and voting records on open competition (including PLA mandates), prevailing wage reform, reasonable contractor licensing standards, and support for industry-driven apprenticeship programs. Attitudes toward tax and regulatory burdens, safety initiatives, and infrastructure investment also factor in. These criteria appear transparently in the Ohio Merit Shop Scorecard, which members can review when considering candidates.
How can my company participate without being overtly partisan?
Focus on policy education rather than party labels: share information about how proposed laws affect jobs, wages, training opportunities, and regional competitiveness. Host non-partisan voter registration drives, distribute ABC of Ohio issue briefs, and encourage employees to research candidates using the Ohio Merit Shop Scorecard. ABC Ohio Valley’s advocacy materials are designed to help members engage legally and appropriately.
What role do races like governor and U.S. Senate play for merit shop contractors?
While most construction-specific statutes originate in the General Assembly, statewide officials influence regulatory enforcement, federal funding streams, and the broader economic climate. Contests like Ramaswamy vs. Acton for Ohio governor or Brown vs. Husted for U.S. Senate shape top-of-ticket turnout, which affects down-ballot legislative races. ABC National and the Free Enterprise Alliance engage differently at the federal level, while ABC of Ohio and ABC Ohio Valley focus on state-level debates.
Where can I get district-specific guidance on my advocacy efforts?
Contact ABC Ohio Valley’s government affairs staff or ABC of Ohio’s advocacy team directly for tailored briefings on your legislative districts and key races. Use the ABC Action App to input your address, see who represents you, and receive targeted alerts. Firms with multiple offices or job sites across districts can request a customized election and advocacy roadmap aligned with their active project footprint.
