Both have promised to protect abortion rights, promote social justice and fight political corruption.Ĭranley wants to legalize marijuana and use the money generated to rebuild the state's economy. Whaley and Cranley, who have a friendship that goes back years, are aligned on many issues. Their choice comes down to former Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley or former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, who would be the first woman in the state’s history to receive a major party’s backing for governor. Ohio Democrats face a bigger problem when picking their nominee for governor - they haven't won a statewide nonjudicial race in nearly 16 years. Jim Renacci, end up splitting the anti-DeWine vote. Still, he remains favored to win the party's nomination as long as his three far-right challengers, including former U.S. Mike DeWine's performance in the state's primary Tuesday will provide a gauge of just how far to the right his party has shifted under the influence of former President Donald Trump.ĭeWine, a veteran politician who easily won the state's top office four years ago, is facing a revolt in some corners of Ohio after enraging the GOP faithful with aggressive stay-at-home mandates, business shutdowns and curfews during the pandemic.ĭespite calling himself “the most pro-life governor in Ohio history,” he has lost the backing of some anti-abortion and conservative groups.
