Frank LaRose, Ohio's secretary of state since 2019, is running for state auditor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The Republican announced his candidacy on Feb. 6, 2025, seeking to succeed term-limited Auditor Keith Faber, as first reported by Spectrum News.
LaRose faces Democrat Annette M. Blackwell. He is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data. LaRose said his campaign focuses on government accountability and efficient management of tax dollars.
Candidate information
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: Ohio Auditor
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Born: April 18, 1979, at Akron City Hospital; grew up in Copley Township, Summit County
- Residence: Central Ohio, according to his official state biography, where he lives with his wife, Lauren, and their three daughters
- Education: Bachelor's degree in business family and consumer sciences, The Ohio State University (2007); Copley High School (1997)
Experience and public service
LaRose has held elected office since 2011. He served as an Ohio state senator representing District 27 from 2011 to 2019 before winning the secretary of state race, according to BallotReady profile data.
Before entering politics, LaRose worked as a business manager and project lead at a consulting firm, according to his Wikipedia biography. He served in the U.S. Army and Ohio National Guard and received the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq, according to his official state biography.
He is an Eagle Scout. He also serves as a board member of the Green Beret Foundation and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
On the issues
LaRose has not returned the West Chester-Liberty Herald's candidate questionnaire. The positions below are drawn from his campaign materials and public statements.
Government accountability: LaRose said his auditor campaign would apply transparency, efficiency and accountability to local government offices across Ohio, according to Spectrum News.
Taxes and budget: On his campaign website, LaRose said he would help state and local government offices "more openly and efficiently manage our tax dollars and hold them accountable when they don't."
Endorsements
The following endorsements are claimed by the endorsing organizations, according to BallotReady profile data:
- Ohio Republican Party
- Butler County Republican Party
- Franklin County Republican Party
- Summit County GOP
- Clermont County Republican Party
- Republican Party of Cuyahoga County
- Lake County Republican Party
- Strongsville Republican Party
- Scioto County GOP
- Ohio Right to Life PAC
- Buckeye Firearms Association
- Cleveland Plain Dealer Editorial Board
The West Chester-Liberty Herald sent a questionnaire to all candidates in this race. LaRose had not responded as of publication. This profile will be updated if a response is received.
