MIAMISBURG, Ohio (Diya TV) — Former Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani announced today he will seek the office of Secretary of State of Ohio in the 2026 Republican primary. Serving for over a decade as a State Senator and State Representative representing the greater Dayton area, Antani is positioning himself as a stalwart protector of voting rights.
In his campaign announcement, Antani highlighted his unique background, becoming the first Hindu and Indian American to serve as a State Senator in Ohio. During his tenure, he led efforts to enact laws providing Hindu students with a day off for Diwali and other Hindu holidays and championed the creation of Hindu Heritage Month in Ohio.
This election would put me in Ohio history books by becoming the first Hindu, Indian American, and Asian American in a statewide-elected office in the state of Ohio. During the debate, he highlighted safeguarding the right to vote is “a very sacred institution”.
“Living under British rule in India less than 70 years ago, my family didn’t have their freedom. They didn’t have the right to vote,” Antani said. “We must cherish that we were born free people, born with the right to vote.”
Antani’s candidacy comes as current Secretary of State Frank LaRose is term-limited and unable to seek re-election. The Secretary of State’s role includes overseeing elections across Ohio and administering primary and general elections for statewide and federal offices.
