Ohio Senate District 21

About this race

Kent Smith (Democratic), Mikhail Alterman (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Ohio Senate District 21; Kent Smith is the sitting member, per the Ohio Senate's official member directory (ohiosenate.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.

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, Kent Smith, is on the ballot.