Secretary of State of Ohio · Election November 3, 2026 · Updated
Who should I vote for in the Ohio secretary of state race?
Allison Russo has the strongest record in the Ohio secretary of state race. Allison Russo scores 68 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Robert Sprague at 64, as of October 9, 2026. Allison Russo's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Robert Sprague's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Tom Pruss (7 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Libertarian
Tom Pruss
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 7 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 60
- Performance
- NR
Democratic
Strongest record
Allison Russo
68 / 100
Public evidence on 11 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 85
- Performance
- 63
Republican
Robert Sprague
64 / 100
Public evidence on 11 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 75
- Performance
- 63
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Tom Pruss
- On the record2026-10-08
While filming a campaign commercial near Toledo on Oct. 8, 2026, he and Libertarian governor nominee Don Kissick confirmed a body in the Maumee River and gave police witness statements.
Allison Russo
- On the record2026-09-11
Conditioned a Spectrum News debate on her opponent admitting Donald Trump lost 2020; after he did, she had not agreed to a debate as of Oct. 7, 2026.
Sources: cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Sept. 18, 2026, cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Oct. 7, 2026
- On the record2023-01-03
Led all 32 House Democrats in joining 22 Republicans to elect Republican Jason Stephens speaker 54 to 43 over Derek Merrin in January 2023.
Source: Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 3, 2023
- On the record2023-09-26
Voted with all six other Ohio Redistricting Commission members for the 2023 legislative maps while calling the process a sham; some Democrats criticized the vote in 2025.
Sources: WVXU (Ohio Public Radio), Sept. 27, 2023, Signal Ohio, Aug. 28, 2025
- Credit2026-10-02
Sat for the cleveland.com and Plain Dealer editorial board's endorsement interview in October 2026, where board members questioned her partisan record.
Source: cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Oct. 2, 2026
- Credit2022-01-12
Was elected leader by House Democrats on Jan. 12, 2022, and served as minority leader until June 2025.
Sources: Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 12, 2022, WKYC via MSN, Sept. 30, 2026
- Credit2019-2020
The Center for Effective Lawmaking rated her Above expectations in the Ohio House for 2019 to 2020, seventh among 39 Democrats, with one of her bills enacted.
Source: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file
Robert Sprague
- On the record2026-09-15
Accepted a Spectrum News 1 debate in September 2026 and, during a Spectrum taping, said he believed Donald Trump lost the 2020 election, a condition his opponent had set for debating.
Sources: cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Sept. 18, 2026, cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Oct. 7, 2026
- On the record2026-10-02
Declined to take part in the cleveland.com and Plain Dealer editorial board's October 2026 endorsement interview with the secretary of state candidates.
Source: cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Oct. 2, 2026
- On the record2025-01-17
Filed paperwork on Jan. 17, 2025 to run for governor, then entered the secretary of state race in February 2025.
Sources: WTVG 13abc, Jan. 17, 2025, Ballotpedia, Robert Sprague
- On the record2019
As treasurer ended the state's acceptance of cryptocurrency for business tax payments about 10 months after his predecessor launched it, saying he wanted only U.S. dollars.
- Credit2015-2016
The Center for Effective Lawmaking rated him Above expectations in the Ohio House for 2015 to 2016, sixth in the chamber, with four of his bills enacted that term.
Source: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Tom Pruss. No public record found.
Allison Russo. No public record found.
Robert Sprague. No public record found.
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Tom Pruss. No public record found.
Allison Russo. In September 2023 voted with the commission's Republicans for state legislative maps her party's advocates opposed; Democrats later criticized the vote. She called it the best of two bad options.
Sources: Signal Ohio, Aug. 28, 2025, WVXU (Ohio Public Radio), Sept. 27, 2023
Robert Sprague. In September 2026 said on Spectrum News he believed Donald Trump, the leader of his party, lost the 2020 election.
Source: cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Sept. 18, 2026
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Tom Pruss. Sat for a cleveland.com editorial board endorsement interview in October 2026 alongside the Democratic nominee.
Source: cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Oct. 2, 2026
Allison Russo. Sat for a cleveland.com editorial board interview in October 2026. Conditioned a Spectrum News debate on her opponent admitting Trump lost 2020; he did, and as of Oct. 7 she had not agreed to debate.
Sources: cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Oct. 2, 2026, cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Oct. 7, 2026
Robert Sprague. Accepted a proposed Spectrum News 1 general election debate in September 2026; no debate had been held as of Oct. 7. Declined the cleveland.com editorial board's endorsement interview.
Sources: cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Sept. 18, 2026, cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Oct. 2, 2026
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Tom Pruss. Has owned and run NorthCoast Print Mail Marketing since 2017 and serves as vice president of the Northwest Ohio Polish Cultural Center; no conduct finding found.
Source: WTOL via MSN, Feb. 16, 2026
Allison Russo. Ohio House member since 2019 and minority leader 2022 to 2025 with no formal censure, reprimand or conduct finding found.
Source: WKYC via MSN, Sept. 30, 2026
Robert Sprague. Findlay city auditor and treasurer, state representative 2011 to 2018 and state treasurer since 2019 with no formal censure, reprimand or conduct finding found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Robert Sprague
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Tom Pruss. No public record found.
Allison Russo. Sworn state representative since 2019 and member of the Ohio Redistricting Commission; no misuse-of-office finding and no action to reject certified results found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Allison Russo
Robert Sprague. Has held sworn office as state representative and, since January 2019, as Ohio treasurer with no misuse-of-office finding and no recorded action to reject certified results found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Robert Sprague
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Tom Pruss. Printing industry since 1985 and business owner since 2017; past president of the Polish American Community of Toledo; has worked for the Lucas County Board of Elections and as a poll worker.
Sources: WTOL via MSN, Feb. 16, 2026, cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Oct. 2, 2026
Allison Russo. Four terms in the Ohio House since 2019, minority leader from 2022 to 2025, and a former member of the Ohio Redistricting Commission; more than 20 years in health policy research.
Sources: WKYC via MSN, Sept. 30, 2026, NBC4 WCMH via MSN, Sept. 30, 2026
Robert Sprague. Ohio treasurer since 2019, two terms; Ohio House member for the 83rd District 2011 to 2018; earlier Findlay city auditor and treasurer.
Sources: WKYC via MSN, Sept. 30, 2026, Ballotpedia, Robert Sprague
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Tom Pruss. Published positions on ballot access for minor parties, voter ID with free state identification, transparent voter roll maintenance and ranked-choice voting.
Allison Russo. Held the elected post of House minority leader (E5) and sat on the redistricting commission the secretary of state serves on. Plans: keep drop boxes, fund local election boards, modernize business services and protect state-held personal data.
Sources: Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 12, 2022, NBC4 WCMH via MSN, Sept. 30, 2026, cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer via MSN, Oct. 2, 2026
Robert Sprague. Specific plans within the office's powers: eliminate ballot drop boxes, require photo ID for mail ballots, check citizenship before registration, require an auditable paper record, and offer an optional AI grant-matching tool for new businesses.
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Tom Pruss. Three channels: completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey, answered the League of Women Voters primary questionnaire, and publishes issue positions on his campaign site.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Tom Pruss, League of Women Voters of Kent and Northern Portage County voters guide, May 5, 2026 primary, WTOL via MSN, Feb. 16, 2026
Allison Russo. Three or more channels: completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey, answered the League of Women Voters primary questionnaire, sat for an editorial board interview and publishes issue positions.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Allison Russo, League of Women Voters of Kent and Northern Portage County voters guide, May 5, 2026 primary
Robert Sprague. Two channels documented: published campaign positions and television interviews (Spectrum News, NBC4). Did not respond to the League of Women Voters primary questionnaire or Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Sources: Spectrum News 1, Sept. 18, 2026, League of Women Voters of Kent and Northern Portage County voters guide, May 5, 2026 primary, Ballotpedia, Robert Sprague
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Tom Pruss. Born and raised in Toledo, where he has run a business since 2017 and led local Polish American community groups.
Source: Ballotpedia, Tom Pruss
Allison Russo. Lives in Upper Arlington and has represented it and nearby Columbus areas in the Ohio House since 2019 (documented local service). In-state share of contributions not available from the sources opened.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Allison Russo, WKYC via MSN, Sept. 30, 2026
Robert Sprague. Raised in Findlay, where he served as city auditor and treasurer, and represented the Hancock County area in the Ohio House.
Sources: WKYC via MSN, Sept. 30, 2026, NBC4 WCMH via MSN, Sept. 30, 2026
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Tom Pruss. Has owned and operated a printing and mail marketing business since 2017.
Source: WTOL via MSN, Feb. 16, 2026
Allison Russo. Led the House Democratic caucus of 32 members as minority leader from 2022 to 2025. No Ohio finding against her campaigns found.
Sources: Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 12, 2022, Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 3, 2023
Robert Sprague. Has run the Ohio Treasurer's office since 2019, which collects and holds state taxes and fees and manages a state portfolio of about $28 billion (2022).
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Tom Pruss. No public record found.
Allison Russo. Center for Effective Lawmaking rated her Above expectations for 2019 to 2020, Meets for 2021 to 2022 and Below for 2023 to 2024, when as minority leader she sponsored no bills; one sponsored bill became law.
Source: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file
Robert Sprague. Center for Effective Lawmaking rated him Above expectations in the Ohio House for 2015 to 2016 and Meets expectations in his other three terms; eight bills he sponsored became law.
Source: Center for Effective Lawmaking, State Legislative Effectiveness Scores data file
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Tom Pruss. No public record found.
Allison Russo. No public record found.
Robert Sprague. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Tom Pruss. No public record found.
Allison Russo. No public record found.
Robert Sprague. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Tom Pruss. No public record found.
Allison Russo. Led House Democrats in a 2023 coalition with 22 Republicans that elected Speaker Jason Stephens, and joined all five Republicans in the commission's unanimous 2023 legislative map vote.
Sources: Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 3, 2023, WVXU (Ohio Public Radio), Sept. 27, 2023
Robert Sprague. No public record found.
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Tom Pruss. No public record found.
Allison Russo. No public record found.
Robert Sprague. As treasurer ended the state's acceptance of cryptocurrency for business taxes about 10 months after his predecessor started it, citing risk to taxpayers. No Auditor of State report on his office was opened.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 9, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in the Ohio secretary of state race?
Allison Russo has the strongest record in the Ohio secretary of state race. Allison Russo scores 68 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Robert Sprague at 64, as of October 9, 2026. Allison Russo's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Robert Sprague's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Tom Pruss (7 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in the Ohio secretary of state race in 2026?
Tom Pruss (Libertarian), Allison Russo (Democratic), Robert Sprague (Republican). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Tom Pruss a good candidate for Secretary of State?
Tom Pruss has public evidence on 7 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Allison Russo a good candidate for Secretary of State?
Allison Russo scores 68 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 11 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 85 of 100, performance 63 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Robert Sprague a good candidate for Secretary of State?
Robert Sprague scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 11 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 75 of 100, performance 63 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Ohio race scored, and the Ohio 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.