Political Outsider Marcell Strbich Leads GOP Race for Secretary of State in Ohio

Political Outsider Marcell Strbich Leads GOP Race for Secretary of State

In a striking development within the Ohio GOP nomination race for Secretary of State, political outsider and combat veteran Marcell Strbich has taken the lead over seasoned politician Robert Sprague. Recent internal polling released by the Strbich for Ohio campaign indicates that from January 20 to January 22, 2026, Strbich achieved an impressive lead of 8 percentage points, garnering 12% support against Sprague's 4%, with a substantial 84% of voters still undecided.

When informed of the candidates, Strbich’s lead extends even further, reaching 57% compared to Sprague’s 10%, showcasing a dynamic shift in voter sentiment as awareness grows. The polling firm, co/efficient, revealed that half of Republican primary voters are unfamiliar with Sprague, who has been in public office since 2010. Intriguingly, both candidates share a similar name recognition rating, suggesting that Strbich's campaign is resonating more effectively with the electorate.

Strbich carries a net favorability score of +7, while Sprague is slightly behind with +4. Commenting on the poll results, Strbich expressed gratitude for the support received thus far, declaring, "I am honored that my message of unwavering patriotism, military leadership and service, and uncompromising election integrity is resonating with Republicans across the state. I look forward to the next few months as we continue to offer Republicans and concerned Ohioans alike a viable, mission-focused, solutions-oriented candidate for Secretary of State."

The statistics indicate a notable trend towards Strbich, a newcomer with fresh insights and a strong military background, as he emphasizes the need for integrity and transparency in the electoral process. The polls suggest that as Strbich's campaign gains momentum, he could potentially secure a commanding lead as more voters engage in the nomination process.

In addition to the impressive polling figures, Strbich has demonstrated considerable fundraising prowess. Within the first six weeks of his campaign, he raised over $200,000, showcasing robust grassroots support indicative of his growing popularity among Republican constituents. As the election cycle continues, the dynamics of this race are likely to shift further, particularly as voter engagement increases and more discussions around the candidates emerge.

With the Ohio GOP nominating conventions on the horizon, the battle between Strbich and Sprague will intensify. Observers point out that this race signifies a broader trend of increasing support for political outsiders who offer different visions for governance compared to established politicians. The coalition of military experience and a focus on electoral integrity could reshape how voters perceive leadership in state offices.

As Ohio continues to navigate through key issues affecting its constituents, the results of this race may set precedents for future elections, particularly regarding how outsiders can challenge the political norms held by career politicians. With over 80% of voters yet to make a decision, campaigns will need to rally support and effectively communicate their agendas in the coming weeks.

For those interested in keeping track of the developments in this race, detailed poll results can be viewed on the official Strbich for Ohio website. The coming months will be pivotal for both candidates as they vie for the crucial Republican nomination for Secretary of State.