Niraj Antani Suspends Secretary of State Campaign, Seeks Ohio Treasurer Role

Former Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani has suspended his campaign for Secretary of State and announced his intention to run for State Treasurer in the 2026 election. Antani's decision comes after current State Treasurer Robert Sprague entered the Secretary of State race, leading Antani to conclude there was no viable path to victory. He criticized the political maneuvering among Ohio's officials, describing it as 'musical chairs' and indicative of a political establishment more concerned with retaining power than serving the public. Antani aims to succeed Sprague as Treasurer, which would make him the first Hindu and Indian American to hold a statewide executive office in Ohio. He affirmed his commitment to challenging the entrenched political establishment in the state. This shift in Antani's campaign reflects ongoing changes in Ohio's political landscape, with several statewide offices open due to term limits.