Ohio Republican Senate nominee?
$92.0K
MAY 6, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer Treasurer
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age48 years old (Sep 27, 1977)
GenderMale
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LocationOhio
BackgroundPolitician
EducationThe Ohio State University (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsJoshua Aaron Mandel is an American politician and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve veteran from Ohio. He served in the Ohio House of Representatives and was the 48th Treasurer of the State of Ohio (2011–2019), later running for the U.S. Senate multiple times. He earned a B.A. from The Ohio State University and a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports tax cuts and reducing government spending, opposes new or higher taxes on industry (e.g., severance tax), and emphasizes budget transparency and cutting waste. Advocates pro-business policies and fiscal restraint while promoting tax/financial innovation such as allowing cryptocurrency tax payments at the state level.
Healthcare
The candidate supports repealing the Affordable Care Act and favors market-based health reforms such as interstate insurance sales, medical savings accounts, tort reform, and giving Medicaid block grants to states. The candidate frames government-run healthcare as undesirable and promotes private-sector solutions and reduced federal involvement. These positions are expressed in campaign materials and public statements dating to his Senate campaigns.
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Immigration & Border
Supports strict enforcement-first immigration policies, including building a border wall, deporting undocumented immigrants, banning sanctuary cities and criminal penalties for local officials who implement sanctuary policies; has advocated severely restricting refugee admissions. Positions emphasize border security and enforcement over expanded legal pathways or asylum protections.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate opposes abortion in nearly all circumstances, supports promoting adoption as an alternative, and has said abortion should be banned except to save the life of the mother (excluding exceptions for rape or incest). He also opposes government funding of abortion.
Climate & Energy
Rejects the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change and opposes aggressive environmental regulations while supporting expanded domestic oil and gas development (including fracking and drilling) and prioritizing energy production for jobs and energy independence.
Public Safety & Guns
Josh Mandel is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights and opposes licensing requirements for carrying firearms; he has framed his position as resisting compromise on gun regulations and emphasized backing law enforcement. He has received endorsements from pro-gun organizations and law-enforcement groups.
News
Josh Mandel is being mentioned in the context of Ohio’s 2026 Senate race, which is now seen as a toss-up in the latest forecast. The race is drawing heavy attention and spending as Republicans and Democrats battle for control of the Senate. Ohio is also one of the key states where party groups are pouring money into down-ballot races, including attorney general contests.
Who qualified for the 2026 Ohio primary election? See names, key dates
GOP Chances of Losing Senate as Two Seats Become Tossups
Democrats Are Obsessed With the Wrong Senate Races
Big money flows into state attorney general races as legal battles shape American politics
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262022
2024
2026
LatestCycle 2022
Cycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements