What Do Candidate Grades Mean | All candidates were assessed based on a variety of factors related to their support for LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion, including their legislative records (if they have previously held office), overall career track records, public statements, campaign platforms and other accomplishments.
Judicial candidates were evaluated with the additional criteria of their rulings, independence from partisan politics and the consistency of their judicial philosophy.
How to Interpret Letter Grades:
A+ | Champion of equality!
A | Strong record & clear support for LGBTQ+ Ohioans
B | Mostly strong record or insufficient record but supportive campaign platform
C | Mixed record or insufficient record & unclear campaign platform
D | Mostly poor record or insufficient record but concerning campaign platform
F | Poor record & likely to harm civil rights in office
U.S. Senator
SHERROD BROWN
A former U.S. Senator for Ohio, champions Ohioans’ rights against special interests. He advocates for affordable healthcare, higher wages, job creation, and social justice.
He voted against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996—one of the few red or swing state representatives to do so—and was a staunch advocate for the Equality Act.
He has long supported legislation to expand nondiscrimination protections and defend marriage equality and civil rights for all.
His 2024 campaign faltered on public support for transgender Ohioans, his current campaign publicly seeks equality for all Ohioans.
JON HUSTED
Currently serves as the junior United States senator from Ohio. He previously served as the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio and as Ohio Secretary of State.
He has a longstanding record opposing LGBTQ+ equality, including previously supporting efforts to ban same-sex marriage.
He criticized Governor DeWine’s veto of legislation banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
He championed HB 8, Ohio’s “Don’t Say Gay/Trans” law and has supported the recent rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation.
Ohio Governor
AMY ACTON
She opposes the politicized attacks coming from the Statehouse and has pledged to support under-represented communities as governor.
She has advocated for reproductive freedom, public education, and workers’ and union rights as core priorities.
As former Director of the Ohio Dept. of Health during COVID-19, she has built her campaign on dignity, inclusion, and equity for every Ohioan.
VIVEK RAMASWAMY
He supports bans on gender-affirming care and has referred to transgender identity as a “mental health disorder.”
He has characterized the broader LGBTQ+ movement as “cult-like” and aligned himself with national culture war messaging targeting LGBTQ+ inclusion.
He has been a vocal critic of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and supports restrictions on reproductive healthcare access.
Ohio Secretary of State
ALLISON RUSSO
She is a leading advocate against HB 8, Ohio’s Don’t Say Gay/Trans and Forced Outing Bill.
She has consistently supported policies promoting LGBTQ+ equality, inclusion, and personal freedom throughout her time in the legislature.
She played a key role in defeating the August 2023 Issue 1 power grab and helped secure reproductive freedom protections in the Ohio Constitution.
ROBERT SPRAGUE
His alignment with broader conservative policies and voting restrictions raises concerns for LGBTQ+ communities that have faced barriers to political participation.
He has emphasized restricting voter access by expanding photo-ID requirements and eliminating ballot drop boxes.
He has closely aligned his campaign with the priorities of the Trump administration rather than expanding voter participation.
Ohio Attorney General
JOHN KULEWICZ
He has positioned himself as a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ Ohioans at a time when civil rights protections are being challenged in state and federal courts.
He has pledged to push back against federal overreach and defend Ohioans from policies that threaten personal freedoms and equal protection.
He brings 44 years of legal experience, including arguing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and courts across Ohio.
KEITH FABER
His record aligns with the Ohio Republican caucus that has consistently opposed expanding protections for LGBTQ+ Ohioans.
During his time in state government, Ohio Republicans advanced numerous policies restricting LGBTQ+ rights and protections for transgender youth.
As Attorney General, he would likely continue advancing priorities that frequently target LGBTQ+ equality and reproductive freedom.
Ohio Supreme Court
JENNIFER BRUNNER
She dissented when the Court allowed enforcement of Ohio’s ban on gender-affirming care.
As the Court’s only Democratic justice for much of her tenure, she has consistently defended individual liberties and equal protection under the law.
She brings decades of public service experience across all three levels of Ohio’s judiciary.
COLLEEN O’DONNELL
She has not established a public history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights or civil rights protections.
Her record reflects a consistently more conservative judicial approach.
Concerns have been raised about how her judicial philosophy may impact cases involving LGBTQ+ Ohioans and other civil rights issues.
MARILYN ZAYAS
Her demonstrated commitment to fairness, equal access to the courts, and impartial application of the law earns her high marks on equality.
She has focused on improving access to justice and reducing barriers and costs for Ohioans navigating the court system.
She was appointed three times within a 40-day span by Ohio’s Chief Justice to sit on the Ohio Supreme Court, an uncommon distinction that underscores her expertise and the respect she has earned across the judiciary.
DAN HAWKINS
He joined the Court’s majority allowing enforcement of Ohio’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors to proceed.
His alignment with rulings that restrict access to gender-affirming care has raised questions about his approach to civil rights protections.
His broader record includes limited direct commentary on LGBTQ+ issues.
Additional Nonpartisan Voter Resources
- Visit Vote411.org to get a full list of the races and issues on your ballot this year.
- If you have questions about voting rights or have difficulty casting your ballot, call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)