A former Democratic state representative filed paperwork Thursday afternoon, saying he has decided to run to be Ohio’s next attorney general. He’ll run in the May 2026 primary as a candidate of the party that sanctioned him following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior.
Elliot Forhan was an outspoken member of the Ohio House during his term in the last General Assembly. After reported altercations between Forhan and other lawmakers and a conflict with a constituent, Forhan was stripped of committee assignments and lost access to his office and the Statehouse. A report released by House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) accused him of a “pattern of harassment, hostility, and intimidation of colleagues and staff.” Some elected officials in his district called for Forhan to resign. He ended up losing the Democratic primary for reelection to his seat last year.
Forhan was never charged with any crime and has said the allegations against him are false. He has a defamation lawsuit against Attorney General Dave Yost as well as some other state leaders. But he said he’s planning to run for the office of the state’s top lawyer.
In his written statement to reporters, Forhan said he’s running for AG because the law “should hold everyone accountable—including the rich and powerful.” He added, “but that’s not what’s happening right now in our state or across the country.”
Forhan is the third Democrat to announce a campaign for a statewide executive office. Dr. Amy Acton, who served as Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s health director until June 2020, is running for governor. Another doctor, oncologist Bryan Hamley, is running for secretary of state.
9:13 AM Friday, Feb 28, 2025 - This story has been updated with information that he has filed his paperwork for the office and will be running as a Democrat.
