Ohio Politics Explained

Ohio Bureau Chief Anthony Shoemaker speaks with politics reporters Laura Bischoff and Jessie Balmert to look back on big moments that happened in Ohio politics in 2025. During this episode, we also talk about what we’re looking ahead to in 2026.

We discuss why childcare is so expensive in Ohio and what state officials are trying to do about it.

We discuss bills before Gov. Mike DeWine that could slash property taxes and change Ohio's recreational marijuana law.

We discuss the end of the federal government shutdown, the latest in the Ohio governor's race and a bill dealing with religious alternatives to health care.

We discuss the Nov. 4 election in Ohio and what the results say about 2026.

We discuss what the federal government shutdown means for SNAP, problems at Central State University and how Ohio's congressional map could change for 2026.

We discuss lawmakers' latest efforts to regulate marijuana and hemp and how the Ohio House wants to cut $2 billion in property taxes.

We discuss Ohio's pause on executions and what the future may hold when Gov. Mike DeWine leaves office.

We discuss the latest action on property taxes, an increase in out-of-state abortions, how abortion opponents want to change health class and why marijuana companies are suing Ohio.

We discuss the Legislature's plan to tackle high property taxes, Ohio's first redistricting meeting and how Republicans are touting unity for the 2026 election.

We discuss the fallout from Charlie Kirk's assassination, union endorsements in the 2026 election and the latest lawsuit involving Ohio's teacher pension system.

We discuss Sen. Bernie Moreno's first months in office, a new Trump directive on sexual education and what's on the agenda when Ohio lawmakers return to Columbus.

We discuss Gov. Mike DeWine's decision to send Ohio National Guard members to Washington, D.C., and how Sherrod Brown's Senate campaign announcement is shaping the 2026 election.

We discuss the first year of adult-use marijuana sales in Ohio and what's in store for the program going forward.

We discuss a viral street fight in Cincinnati and how it became a talking point for Ohio politicians. 

We discuss former Sen. Sherrod Brown's political future, fundraising in the Ohio governor's race and why Vice President JD Vance returned to Ohio.

We discuss why political outsiders, from JD Vance to Vivek Ramaswamy, are becoming more popular with Ohio voters. 

We discuss why Ohio will draw a new congressional map, the latest with a lawsuit over school vouchers and how the Ohio House voted on Gov. Mike DeWine's budget vetoes. 

We discuss Gov. Mike DeWine's budget vetoes, a lawsuit over Browns stadium money, what President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" means for Ohio and how LGBTQ advocates are trying to change the state constitution.