Keith Faber seeks Ohio attorney general in 2026

Keith Faber, Ohio's current state auditor, is running for attorney general as a Republican in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat John J. Kulewicz, according to BallotReady election data. The Butler County Republican Party is among the organizations that have endorsed Faber.

Faber announced his campaign on Jan. 27, 2025, citing his background as a lawyer, legislator and state auditor, according to his Wikipedia biography. On his campaign website, Faber said he would focus on consumer protection, fighting human trafficking and combating the drug epidemic.

Candidate information

Name: Keith Faber
Party: Republican
Office sought: Ohio Attorney General
Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
Hometown: Celina, Ohio
Born: Jan. 19, 1966, in Troy, Missouri
Education: Bachelor's degree in public administration and policy, Oakland University (1988); juris doctor, The Ohio State University (1991)
Law practice: Founder of Faber & Associates, a civil litigation and mediation law firm in Celina; principal partner since 2000

Experience and public service

Faber has held elected office in Ohio for more than two decades. He served as a state representative for District 84 in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2001 to 2007. He then served as a state senator for District 12 from 2007 to 2016, including a term as president of the Ohio Senate from 2013 to 2016, according to his Wikipedia biography.

He took office as auditor in 2019. The Ohio Auditor of State's office states that Faber has overseen the convictions of more than 155 public officials and spearheaded audits that identified billions in unemployment fraud and abuse.

Faber has also served on the Ohio State Bar Association's Public Understanding of the Law Advisory Board and the editorial board of Ohio Lawyer Magazine. He belongs to the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys and the Defense Research and Trial Lawyers Association.

On the issues

Faber outlines several priorities on his campaign website:

Consumer protection and public safety: Faber said he would increase enforcement against predatory companies and cybercriminals that target vulnerable Ohioans, especially seniors facing financial exploitation. He said he would hold businesses accountable for deceptive practices and educate the public about their rights.

Drug epidemic: Faber said he would reduce demand through addiction treatment services, prosecute suppliers, cut off supply chains and support recovery efforts for victims.

Human trafficking: Faber said he would work with law enforcement, nonprofits, faith groups and community leaders to identify trafficking networks and prosecute offenders. He said he would expand access to recovery services, safe housing and job training for survivors.

Immigration and border security: Faber said he would address the impact of illegal immigration and cartel activity on Ohio communities by supporting President Trump's strict border security policies.

Regulation and taxes: Faber said he advocates for lower taxes and cutting regulation. He said he would defend Ohio against federal overreach by unelected bureaucrats whose decisions hurt families and businesses.