Samuel Ronan Removed from Republican Primary Ballot in Ohio

On April 6, 2026, U.S. District Court Judge Sarah D. Morrison ruled that Samuel Ronan was removed from the Republican primary ballot for Ohio's 15th Congressional District due to allegations of falsifying his party affiliation. The ruling followed a protest filed by Franklin County GOP Central Committee member Marc Schare, who cited Ronan's previous statements as a Democratic candidate and recent comments on social media. Ronan, who has previously run for office as a Democrat, maintains that he is currently a Republican and has appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court after the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Morrison.

Columbus Dispatch

The ruling means that votes cast for Ronan in the upcoming May 5 primary will not be counted unless the Supreme Court intervenes. The Franklin County Board of Elections, led by a split vote where the Republican members favored Ronan's removal, will notify absentee voters that their votes for him will be disregarded if the Supreme Court does not grant an injunction by April 8.

Columbus Dispatch

Ronan expressed frustration over the ruling, arguing that it undermines the rights of individuals who may not have a lifelong affiliation with a single political party. He stated, "The question is do parties have the right to determine who's in their primary," emphasizing his belief that voters should have the opportunity to evaluate his progressive ideology within the Republican framework. Ronan's campaign has been characterized as a longshot, as he has never held political office, while incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Carey has held the seat since 2021 and won re-election in 2024 with 56% of the vote.

Columbus Dispatch

The Franklin County Board of Elections Director, Antone White, indicated that it is too late to reprint the primary ballots, confirming that notices will be posted at polling places regarding the status of Ronan's candidacy. Ronan's claims of mischaracterization regarding his past statements were reiterated in his comments to the media, where he defended his current Republican affiliation.

Columbus Dispatch

While the court's decision is clear, there is a notable lack of response from Carey's campaign regarding the allegations of coordination with the Ohio Republican Party to remove Ronan from the ballot. This absence raises questions about the dynamics within the party and the implications of Ronan's removal on the primary election.

Columbus Dispatch

• “The question is do parties have the right to determine who's in their primary,” — Samuel Ronan, Candidate

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• “My frustration is that people, regular people like me who may not have gone their whole life being one thing, can be pushed off the ballot despite meeting the legal state requirements.” — Samuel Ronan, Candidate

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• “Morrison said in her order that Ronan falsified his declaration of candidacy when he attested he is a Republican.” — Judge Sarah D. Morrison

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As the situation develops, the outcome of Ronan's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court will determine whether he can participate in the primary election against Mike Carey.

Columbus Dispatch