DAYTON, Ohio (Diya TV) — Former State Senator Niraj Antani has ended his campaign for Ohio Secretary of State and announced his bid for State Treasurer in 2026, setting the stage for a competitive race in the state’s political landscape.
Antani, a Republican who previously served in both the Ohio House and Senate, suspended his Secretary of State campaign earlier today, citing the entry of current State Treasurer Robert Sprague into the race. Sprague, who had initially launched a campaign for governor before pivoting to Secretary of State, was endorsed last week by current Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
“My team and I have taken the last week to evaluate this new dynamic, and unfortunately, we see no path forward to victory with Treasurer Sprague in the race,” Antani said in a statement. “While I am disappointed, I am not deterred. For the last decade, I’ve fought against the entrenched establishment who seek to protect the status quo. I will continue that fight.”
Antani took sharp aim at Ohio’s political class, accusing some officials of playing “musical chairs” with statewide offices. “These recycled, cookie-cutter, copy-paste politicians are playing musical chairs with Ohio’s constitutional executive offices. They’ll do whatever it takes to stay in power, no matter the Tammany Hall-style, smoke-filled, backroom behavior that makes Ohioans sick.”
Shortly after stepping out of the Secretary of State race, Antani announced his campaign for State Treasurer, aiming to succeed Sprague, who is term-limited. If elected, he would be the first Hindu and Indian American to hold a statewide executive office in Ohio, as well as the first Asian American to do so.
Antani emphasized his personal connection to financial stewardship, drawing parallels between his family’s history in British-ruled India and the responsibilities of the State Treasurer.
“Living under British rule in India, less than 80 years ago, my family was taxed without representation. They had to pay land taxes, income taxes, and more to the British Crown, despite having no freedom. It was a salt tax imposed on the Indian people that sparked protests leading to the Indian independence movement,” Antani said. “With this special appreciation for the importance of stewarding the public’s finances, I understand it is among our government’s oldest and most principal responsibilities.”
As State Treasurer, Antani would oversee the collection and management of Ohio’s more than $30 billion in taxes and fees, as well as its $30 billion investment portfolio and $10 billion debt portfolio.
