The Libertarian Party of Ohio is set to host a gubernatorial debate this month between Don Kissick and Travis Vought, the two candidates currently seeking the party’s nomination for governor in the 2026 election.
The party said the debate will take place on the evening of February 12 at the Oregon Branch Library in Oregon, Ohio. In addition to the head-to-head debate between Kissick and Vought, the event will also feature a panel discussion with other Libertarian candidates running for office across the state, followed by questions from the audience.
The event is open to the public and is intended to give attendees an opportunity to hear directly from Libertarian candidates and compare their policy priorities. The Libertarian Party of Ohio’s Lucas County affiliate will livestream the debate, with further details to be released in the coming days. The state party also plans to carry the livestream on its social media platforms.
Vought, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, launched his candidacy for governor in early January. In his campaign announcement, Vought said he is running on a platform centered on individual liberty, community-based decision-making, and limiting the scope of government. His campaign has highlighted issues including veteran outreach, combating human trafficking, suicide prevention, and mental health. Vought has also named Christy Orr as his choice for lieutenant governor.
“My campaign is about liberty with responsibility,” Vought said. “It’s about creating opportunity, respecting personal freedom, and ensuring that every Ohioan has the chance to live with dignity and purpose.”
Kissick launched his campaign shortly after and selected James Mills as his running mate. In his campaign announcement, Kissick outlined unity, ethical leadership, and anti-corruption reforms as central themes. His platform includes proposals aimed at increasing government transparency, decentralizing political power, and limiting the influence of lobbyists.
“For too long, Ohioans have felt divided, ignored, or left behind by a political system that rewards insiders instead of serving people,” Kissick stated. “This campaign is about restoring not just trust in our public institutions, but our faith in one another.”
As the Libertarian Party of Ohio is a recognized minor party, state law requires that its gubernatorial candidates collect at least 500 valid signatures to qualify for the primary ballot. Ohio’s state primary election is scheduled for May 5.
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