Ohio House District 65

About this race

John Barbo (Democratic), David Thomas (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Ohio House District 65; David Thomas is the sitting member, per the Ohio House of Representatives's official member directory (ohiohouse.gov). Nominees were chosen at the May 5, 2026 primary or qualified directly for the general ballot. The field is the Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list; Ohio prints unopposed candidates rather than deeming them elected. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot. Ballot status: Democratic primary winner Lorna J. Westlake withdrew and the Trumbull County Democratic Party named John Barbo in her place, per local press; the county Board of Elections' certified list settles the printed name.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, David Thomas, is on the ballot.