In Ohio, voters have big decisions to make every four years when they elect their state’s new leaders. But how well do you know your elected officials? Could you name the major ones? 

Today, we’re helping you better know your prominent state’s leaders, including an overview of who has donated to their campaigns.

Governor Mike DeWine (R)

Mike DeWine is currently in his first term as governor after winning the nod from Ohioans in 2018 to replace then-Gov. John Kasich. DeWine won the job with just over 50 percent of the vote, outpacing Democrat Richard Cordray by about four points. Prior to his election as Governor, DeWine served as a state legislator, congressman, United States Senator, and as the state’s Attorney General. 

According to financial disclosures, since the 2018 election cycle, DeWine has reported $29,448,095 in contributions, with just over $28 million in expenditures. His top donor has been the Ohio Republican State Central & Executive Committee State Candidate Fund, which has contributed $4,805,541.37 to his campaign. DeWine has also reported kicking in $4,644,323 to his own campaign.

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted (R)

Elected on the Republican ticket with DeWine in 2018, Jon Husted is currently in his first term as Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor. Prior to taking the role, Husted served as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and as the state’s Secretary of State.

Since 2017, Husted has reported $3,433,965 in contributions to his campaign, along with nearly $5.3 million in expenditures. His top contributor has been the Ohio Republican PAC, which contributed $601,770 to his campaign. It is also worth noting his top payee has been the campaign of Gov. DeWine, to which his campaign has paid out over $4.6 million.

Attorney General Dave Yost (R)

Dave Yost is currently serving in his first term as Attorney General after winning the 2018 election to replace DeWine, who left the office to run for Governor. Prior to becoming Attorney General, Yost served as State Auditor.

Since 2017, Yost has reported $6,516,555 in contributions, with just under $5 million in expenditures. His top contributor has been the Ohio Republican State Central & Executive Committee State Candidate Fund, which contributed $1,425,099 to his campaign. Ohio Republican PAC is next up on the incumbent’s donor list, having also contributed $1,384,721 to Yost’s warchest.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R)

Former State Sen. Frank LaRose is currently serving in his first term as Secretary of State. LaRose won the job in 2018 with just under 51 percent of the vote, outpacing Democrat Kathleen Clyde.

Since 2017, LaRose has reported $4,238,818 in contributions, along with just under $3.3 million in expenditures. His top contributor has been the Ohio Republican State Central & Executive Committee State Candidate Fund, which contributed $230,191 to his campaign.

State Treasurer Robert Sprague (R)

Robert Sprague is currently serving in his first term as State Treasurer after winning the job over Democrat Bob Richardson with over 53 percent of the vote in 2018. Prior to winning this position, Sprague served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives.

Since 2017, Sprague has reported $2,757,830 in contributions, with just under $2 million in expenditures. His top contributor has been the Ohio Republican PAC, which has contributed $222,472 to his campaign, followed by the Ohio Republican State Central & Executive Committee State Candidate Fund, which contributed $194,861.

State Auditor Keith Faber (R)

Keith Faber is currently serving in his first term as State Auditor after winning the job in 2018, with just under 50 percent of the vote. Previously, Faber served as a member of both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly.

Since 2017, Faber has reported $2,608,616 in contributions, with just over $2.2 million in expenditures. The Ohio Republican PAC has been Faber’s top contributor so far, kicking in $389,713 to his campaign.

All available campaign finance data through the end of 2020 is included in the Transparency USA database. For more about the state-level officeholders and candidates in Ohio, please visit this link. Search for any candidate, PAC, or donor in Ohio here.