90% of BFA PAC-endorsed candidates win in 2026 primary election

BFA PAC-endorsed candidates turned in a strong performance in Ohio's 2026 primary election on May 5. See the winners here.

In a contested Republican gubernatorial race, A+ rated Vivek Ramaswamy won a commanding 82.5% of the vote. This sets up a battle between Ramaswamy and Democratic nominee Amy Acton for the Governor's mansion. While Acton is running a disciplined campaign with no overt statements about gun control, we can certainly read between the lines when she talks about gun violence as a public health issue. It will be important for all gun owners concerned about the Second Amendment to vote for Vivek Ramaswamy in the general election if we want any pro-gun bills signed into law.

In other statewide races, Keith Faber won unopposed for Attorney General, Robert Sprague won against a challenger for Secretary of State, Jay Edwards took home the win for Treasurer, and Frank LaRose won unopposed for Auditor.

In the contests for open Justice seats on the Ohio Supreme Court, Andrew King lost to Colleen O'Donnell, but Dan Hawkins won unopposed. Although we are a nonpartisan organization, I'll say that it is crucial for Republicans to hold on to their control of the court to ensure that Second Amendment cases will be decided based on the Constitution and the law, rather than on personal opinion and a notion that our Constitution is a "living document" open for reinterpretation based on current events. Republicans now hold a 6-1 majority.

In federal races, A-rated Jon Husted became the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate while F-rated Sherrod Brown won the Democratic primary. This tees up what many pundits expect to become an expensive and ultra high-profile race in November’s midterm elections that could determine control of the Senate, depending on other races.

In the races for U.S. House, all but one BFA PAC-endorsed candidates won, including Jim Jordan and Mike Carey.

For Ohio, our key concern is always state legislative races, because this is the gauntlet bills must run if they are to land on the governor's desk to be signed into law. We saw many victories in both chambers and will continue to support those who support our bills.

BFA PAC played a key roll in all these victories, grading and endorsing in races across the state, consulting with campaigns at all levels, and running "get out the vote" campaigns targeted to specific districts in key races.

We'll continue our work leading up to the 2026 general election on November 3. And BFA PAC will once again grade and endorse candidates to help you decide at the ballot box.

In the meantime, please support BFA with a generous donation or paid membership. It is only with your support that we're able to fight for your Second Amendment rights in the Buckeye State.

Dean Rieck is Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Association, a former competitive shooter, NRA Patron Member, former #1 NRA Recruiter, and host of the Keep and Bear Radio podcast.