Ohio State Representative, District 12
November 3, 2026 · general election · District 12 · 2 candidates with a page
The seat is held. Rep. Brian Stewart (R) has held the seat since January 1, 2023 (in the Ohio House since 2021, representing District 78 before 2023) and is running for re-election in 2026.
Sources: Ohio House of Representatives District 12 · Representative Brian Stewart - District 12
About this district
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Chamber | District | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio House | Ohio House, Ohio's 12th District | Ohio State Representative, District 12 |
Counties: Franklin · Madison · Pickaway
Last time, 2024: Brian Stewart (Republican) 72.9% · 40,109 votes; Brad Cotton (Democratic) 27.1% · 14,894 votes.
Sources: 2024 Official Election Results · LaRose certifies official 2024 general election results
The candidates
Listed alphabetically by surname. Ohio rotates the order candidates appear in by precinct, so no order on this page is the order on a ballot.
- Co-owner of Farthing & Stewart LLP.
- Pickaway County Commissioner before serving in the Ohio House. (per campaign)
- Bachelor's degree and law degree, Ohio State University.
9 of 11 sections researched · 30 sources
4 of 11 sections researched · 6 sources
Brian Stewart
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Section | State |
|---|---|
| profile | researched |
| ballot | researched |
| positions | researched |
| claims | not researched |
| record | researched |
| money | researched |
| interests | researched |
| polling | not researched |
| elections | researched |
| endorsements | researched |
| sources | researched |
Lee Yarsky
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Section | State |
|---|---|
| profile | researched |
| ballot | researched |
| positions | none found |
| claims | not researched |
| record | not researched |
| money | none found |
| interests | not researched |
| polling | not researched |
| elections | researched |
| endorsements | none found |
| sources | researched |
The race in pictures
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Status |
|---|
| None found in the records checked |
A note on our coverage
Read before the columns: where one candidate has more entries than another, this says which of the two reasons it is.
Endorsements received: Brian Stewart has 4 entries and Lee Yarsky has 0 entries. The difference reflects the length of each public record and the depth of our research; it is not a judgment.
Where they stand: Brian Stewart has 4 entries and Lee Yarsky has 0 entries. The difference reflects the length of each public record and the depth of our research; it is not a judgment.
Brian Stewart's record in office has 16 entries and Lee Yarsky's has 0. The difference reflects the length of each public record and the depth of our research; it is not a judgment.
Sources: Brian Stewart has 19 entries and Lee Yarsky has 5 entries. The difference reflects the length of each public record and the depth of our research; it is not a judgment.
Jump to a candidate
- Brian Stewart: Where they stand · What they have said, checked · Record in office · Money
- Lee Yarsky: Where they stand · What they have said, checked · Record in office · Money
Where they stand
Their own words, by issue, with the date, the venue and the link. A paraphrase is marked as one.
Guns
Brian Stewart
He co-sponsored successful legislation to give the Ohio General Assembly the authority to rescind executive-branch emergency health orders such as closures and mandates (SB22), the adoption of “Constitutional Carry” legislation to safeguard Ohioans’ firearm rights (SB215), and the SAFE Act (HB68) to bar biological males from competing in female sports and to prevent minors from undergoing permanent sex-change operations.
Source: Issues
Lee Yarsky
None found in the records checked
Jobs and the economy
Brian Stewart
Brian is working to make this level of job creation possible all across the 12th District. A major component of this is expanding broadband internet to rural communities in the 12th District and across the state.
Source: Issues
Lee Yarsky
None found in the records checked
Local government
Brian Stewart
Local government - villages, cities, townships, and counties - is the most responsive level of government to "We the People." State government should treat local governments as the partners they are.
Source: Issues
Lee Yarsky
None found in the records checked
Taxes
Brian Stewart
Brian Stewart co-sponsored 2 state budgets which resulted in income tax cuts for Ohioans, an indexing of the homestead exemption to inflation to give Ohioans property tax relief, and the elimination of the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) for the overwhelming majority of Ohio businesses.
Source: Issues
Lee Yarsky
None found in the records checked
What they have said, checked
Newest first. Each check is shown in the checker's own rating word, with their name, the date and the link.
Brian Stewart
Not yet researched
Lee Yarsky
Not yet researched
Record in office
Dated actions. Any evaluation of an action is printed with the name of whoever made it and the link.
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Person | Date | Kind | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stewart (R) | 2021 | office | Ohio State Representative, District 78 |
| Stewart (R) | 2023 | office | Ohio State Representative, District 12 |
| Stewart (R) | 2024-07-24 | bill | 2024-07-24 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Adam Mathews, of House Bill 179 (135th General Assembly), Regards vicarious liability in tort actions; stat |
| Stewart (R) | 2025-01-08 | bill | 2025-01-08 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, of House Bill 497 (135th General Assembly), Make various changes regarding county law, si |
| Stewart (R) | 2025-04-09 | vote | 2025-04-09 (vote): Voted yes on the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House-passed version) (House Bill 96); the House vote was 60-39 and |
| Stewart (R) | 2025-06-11 | vote | 2025-06-11 (vote): Voted no on whether the House would concur in the Senate's amendments to the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House Bi |
| Stewart (R) | 2025-06-25 | vote | 2025-06-25 (vote): Voted yes on the conference committee report on the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House Bill 96); the House vote wa |
| Stewart (R) | 2025-06-27 | bill | 2025-06-27 (bill): Primary sponsor of House Bill 80 (136th General Assembly), Make appropriations for the Industrial Commission for FY 2026-27, effective June |
| Stewart (R) | 2025-06-27 | bill | 2025-06-27 (bill): Primary sponsor of House Bill 81 (136th General Assembly), Make appropriations for Bureau of Workers' Comp for FY 2026-27, effective June 27 |
| Stewart (R) | 2025-06-30 | bill | 2025-06-30 (bill): Primary sponsor of House Bill 96 (136th General Assembly), Make state operating appropriations for FY 2026-27, effective June 30, 2025. |
| Stewart (R) | 2025-06-30 | bill | 2025-06-30 (bill): Primary sponsor of House Bill 54 (136th General Assembly), Make appropriations for transportation for FY 2026-27 biennium, effective June 30 |
| Stewart (R) | 2025-07-21 | vote | 2025-07-21 (vote): Voted to override the governor's veto of item 66 in House Bill 96; the item removed local authority to place replacement property-tax levies |
| Stewart (R) | 2025-12-18 | bill | 2025-12-18 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Kellie Deeter, of House Bill 440 (136th General Assembly), Regards the Board of Nursing and criminal record |
| Stewart (R) | 2026-03-20 | bill | 2026-03-20 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Ty D. Mathews, of House Bill 184 (136th General Assembly), Prescribe limitations on intercollegiate athlete |
| Stewart (R) | 2026-05-27 | bill | 2026-05-27 (bill): Primary sponsor of House Bill 55 (136th General Assembly), Revise fees for the administration of a probate estate, effective May 27, 2026. |
| Stewart (R) | 2026-06-10 | vote | 2026-06-10 (vote): Voted yes on adopting the joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to require identification to vote, placing it on the Novembe |
| Stewart (R) | 2026-06-30 | bill | 2026-06-30 (bill): Primary sponsor of House Bill 730 (136th General Assembly), Make capital reappropriations for biennium ending June 30, 2028, effective June |
| Stewart (R) | 2026-09-07 | bill | 2026-09-07 (bill): Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey, of House Bill 31 (136th General Assembly), Require electronic recordings of all parole |
Brian Stewart
-
September 7, 2026 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey, of House Bill 31 (136th General Assembly), Require electronic recordings of all parole board hearings, effective September 7, 2026.
-
June 30, 2026 · bill
Primary sponsor of House Bill 730 (136th General Assembly), Make capital reappropriations for biennium ending June 30, 2028, effective June 30, 2026.
-
June 10, 2026 · vote
Voted yes on adopting the joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to require identification to vote, placing it on the November 3, 2026 ballot as Issue 3 (Senate Joint Resolution 10); the House vote was 62-30 and the motion passed.
Sources: Senate Joint Resolution 10: votes · Senate Joint Resolution 10
-
May 27, 2026 · bill
Primary sponsor of House Bill 55 (136th General Assembly), Revise fees for the administration of a probate estate, effective May 27, 2026.
-
March 20, 2026 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Ty D. Mathews, of House Bill 184 (136th General Assembly), Prescribe limitations on intercollegiate athlete contracts, effective March 20, 2026.
-
December 18, 2025 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Kellie Deeter, of House Bill 440 (136th General Assembly), Regards the Board of Nursing and criminal records check results, effective December 18, 2025.
-
July 21, 2025 · vote
Voted to override the governor's veto of item 66 in House Bill 96; the item removed local authority to place replacement property-tax levies and certain emergency levies on the ballot (the House vote was 61-28, override succeeded).
Sources: House Bill 96: votes · House Bill 96
-
June 30, 2025 · bill
Primary sponsor of House Bill 96 (136th General Assembly), Make state operating appropriations for FY 2026-27, effective June 30, 2025.
-
June 30, 2025 · bill
Primary sponsor of House Bill 54 (136th General Assembly), Make appropriations for transportation for FY 2026-27 biennium, effective June 30, 2025.
-
June 27, 2025 · bill
Primary sponsor of House Bill 81 (136th General Assembly), Make appropriations for Bureau of Workers' Comp for FY 2026-27, effective June 27, 2025.
-
June 27, 2025 · bill
Primary sponsor of House Bill 80 (136th General Assembly), Make appropriations for the Industrial Commission for FY 2026-27, effective June 27, 2025.
-
June 25, 2025 · vote
Voted yes on the conference committee report on the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House Bill 96); the House vote was 59-38 and the motion passed.
Sources: House Bill 96: votes · House Bill 96
-
June 11, 2025 · vote
Voted no on whether the House would concur in the Senate's amendments to the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House Bill 96); the House vote was 1-85 and the motion failed.
Sources: House Bill 96: votes · House Bill 96
-
April 9, 2025 · vote
Voted yes on the state operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 (House-passed version) (House Bill 96); the House vote was 60-39 and the motion passed.
Sources: House Bill 96: votes · House Bill 96
-
January 8, 2025 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, of House Bill 497 (135th General Assembly), Make various changes regarding county law, signed into law January 8, 2025 (effective April 9, 2025).
-
July 24, 2024 · bill
Joint primary sponsor, with Rep. Adam Mathews, of House Bill 179 (135th General Assembly), Regards vicarious liability in tort actions; statutes of repose, signed into law July 24, 2024 (effective October 24, 2024).
Lee Yarsky
Not yet researched
Money
Totals and donors exactly as filed with the FEC or the Ohio Secretary of State, each figure with its filing link.
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Status |
|---|
| None found in the records checked |
Brian Stewart
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| From | To | Dollars | Share of total | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raised | Spent | 106,642.21 | 31.5% | |
| Other funds (derived) | Spent | 154,228.95 | 45.6% | |
| Raised | Cash on hand | 31,759.20 | 9.4% | |
| Other funds (derived) | Cash on hand | 45,931.04 | 13.6% |
Totals as filed
OhioSOS, as of June 12, 2026: raised $138,401, spent $260,871, cash on hand $77,690.
Ohio campaigns were due to file pre-general reports on October 22, covering activity through October 14, 2026. They are not in these figures, which come from the latest report in our records, dated June 12, 2026.
Sources: Campaign Finance Data · Campaign Finance: Cover Page search · Campaign Finance
Top donors, as filed
None found in the records checked
Outside spending
None found in the records checked
In-state share
Not yet researched
Checked: Ohio Secretary of State candidate cover-page export, 2026 reports
Lee Yarsky
The numbers behind this figure, as a table
| Status |
|---|
| None found in the records checked |
Totals as filed
None found in the records checked
Top donors, as filed
None found in the records checked
Outside spending
None found in the records checked
In-state share
Not yet researched
Checked: Ohio Secretary of State candidate cover-page export, every name variant listed in _staging/d2/money-legislative.json
The result
Not yet researched
Sources
- 2026 General Election Candidates (Candidate List 5, revised September 22, 2026) · Franklin County Board of Elections · 2026-09-22 · accessed 2026-10-15
- Ohio elections, 2026 · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Ohio House of Representatives District 12 · Ballotpedia · 2026-09-19 · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Representative Brian Stewart - District 12 · The Ohio House of Representatives · accessed 2026-09-21
- Brian Stewart · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
- Issues · Friends of Brian Stewart · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 31 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 54 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 55 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 80 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 81 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 96 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 184 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 440 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 730 | 136th General Assembly · Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-21
- Campaign Finance Data · Ohio Secretary of State · accessed 2026-09-19
- Campaign Finance: Cover Page search · Ohio Secretary of State · accessed 2026-09-19
- Campaign Finance · Ohio Secretary of State · accessed 2026-09-19
- House Bill 96: votes · Ohio General Assembly
- Senate Joint Resolution 10: votes · Ohio General Assembly
- 2024 Official Election Results · Ohio Secretary of State · accessed 2026-09-21
- https://www.buckeyefirearms.org/2026-bfa-pac-grades-and-endorsements-ohio-general-election
- https://ohiolife.org/ohio-right-to-life-pac-announces-2026-general-election-candidate-recommendations/
- https://ohiolife.org/2026-ortl-pac-recommendations/
- https://ohiogop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/franklin-county-slate-card.pdf
- https://ohiogop.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/madison-county-slate-card.pdf
- https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/ohio/
- 2025 financial disclosure statement, Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee · Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee
- Senate Joint Resolution 10 · Ohio General Assembly · accessed 2026-09-21
- House Bill 179, 135th General Assembly · The Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-22
- House Bill 497, 135th General Assembly · The Ohio Legislature · accessed 2026-09-22
- Lee Yarsky · Ballotpedia · accessed 2026-09-21 · CC BY-SA 3.0 or later, per Ballotpedia's terms
Quick answers
When is the 2026 Ohio State Representative, District 12 election?
The election for Ohio State Representative, District 12 is on November 3, 2026.
Who is running for Ohio State Representative, District 12 in 2026?
On the ballot for Ohio State Representative, District 12, in surname order: Brian Stewart (Republican), Lee Yarsky (Democratic).
Who holds the Ohio State Representative, District 12 seat now?
The seat is held by Brian Stewart.
Cite and data
Cite this page as:
Cracked Buckeye, "Ohio State Representative, District 12, 2026", https://crackedbuckeye.com/election/2026/ohio-house-12/, built 2026-11-03, accessed [date].
How to cite · Report a correction · Built 2026-11-03