The 2026 gubernatorial race for Ohio governor is still undecided, as former Valley Congressman Tim Ryan is still considering running.

Ryan had said he would decide by the end of September, but his spokesperson, Dennis Willard, said that decision is not coming today.

He issued the following statement:

Tim Ryan is considering the enormity of how this election will impact our great state. He is going to take a few additional days to make his decision. Tim believes he is the strongest candidate to beat Vivek. He is excited about what he could do as governor to bring together all Ohioans and will have a decision soon.

21 News first reported that Ryan was considering a run for governor in May 2025.

Dr. Amy Acton, the former state health director for Governor Mike DeWine, is running as a Democrat for the job. DeWine is term-limited out after this year. 

Ryan had served as a Democratic Congressman for Ohio's 17th District from 2003 to 2013, and Ohio's 13th District from 2013 until 2023.

Ryan also previously ran for a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2022, but lost to former Republican U.S. Senator and current Vice President J.D. Vance.

Other candidates who have announced their candidacy include Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy; Heather Hill (former Republican, party not announced); Timothy Grady (Independent); Jacob Chiara (Democrat) and Philip Funderburg (Republican).