Pride has always been political.
Not because LGBTQ+ Ohioans asked for our lives to become political talking points — but because every generation before us understood that equality is never simply given. It is fought for. Protected. Organized for. Voted for.
This Pride Month, Equality Ohio is proud to release our 2026 Candidate Scorecard — a tool designed to help Ohioans understand exactly where candidates stand on the issues impacting LGBTQ+ people and our families.
At a time when anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to flood the Ohio Statehouse, voters deserve clarity, honesty, and accountability from those seeking public office.
The stakes in 2026 could not be higher.
From the Governor’s office to the Ohio Supreme Court, from Congress to local Statehouse races, the decisions made by elected leaders will shape whether LGBTQ+ Ohioans can live safely, openly, and freely in the communities we call home.
Our scorecard examines candidates’ legislative records, public statements, campaign platforms, judicial philosophies, and demonstrated commitments to equality.
This guide is not about political parties. It is about people.
It is about whether leaders believe LGBTQ+ Ohioans deserve dignity. Whether they will protect our families or target them. Whether they will govern with courage or with fear.
Pride is celebration, yes — but it is also participation. It is showing up. It is making our voices impossible to ignore.
This November, we must vote like our future depends on it. Because it does.
Voters can now see where candidates stand on lived and legal equality!
- The scorecard examines 30 critical races, including the statewide elections for Governor, U.S. Senate, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and the Ohio Supreme Court, as well as key congressional and Statehouse contests across the state.
- Candidates are evaluated based on their legislative record, as applicable, plus overall career track records, public statements, campaign platforms and other accomplishments.
- Judicial candidates were evaluated with the additional criteria of their rulings, independent from partisan politics. Candidates are scaled on an A-F letter grade.
- Seven candidates received the top designation of “Champion of Equality”: Allison Russo (Secretary of State), Jennifer Brunner (Ohio Supreme Court), Greg Landsman (CD01), Emilia Sykes (CD13), Christine Cockley (HD06), Mike Baker (HD52), Jeff Givan (HD78), and Arienne Childrey (HD84).
“The Equality Ohio Scorecard works to uplift LGBTQ+ candidates, designate Champions of Equality, and evaluate how each candidate in our targeted races have taken action beyond their words to support LGBTQ+ Ohioans when their rights and dignity are on the line. Our goal is simple: to empower voters with the transparent and fact-based information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box and to hold leaders accountable.”