COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOWO) — A last-minute legal showdown is unfolding in Ohio’s race for governor as former Republican candidate Heather Hill asks the state’s highest court to restore her to the primary ballot after being disqualified over a running mate change. The case, reported by WCMH’s Kat ie Millard, is now before the Ohio Supreme Court, which has been asked to act quickly ahead of the state’s May 5 primary election. At the center of the dispute is whether Ohio law allows a candidate for governor to replace a lieutenant governor running mate after a specific statutory deadline — and whether Hill’s removal was lawful. WHY HILL WAS REMOVED FROM THE BALLOT Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose removed Hill from the ballot after her original running mate, Stuart Moats, withdrew from the race just 13 days before the primary. Under Ohio election law, candidates can replace a governor or lieutenant governor running mate in certain circumstances, but only within a defined timeframe — and only explicitly after a death in some late-stage scenarios. State officials determined that Moats’ withdrawal did not meet the statutory requirements for replacement that close to the election. Attorney General Dave Yost, representing LaRose, asked the Ohio Supreme Court to dismiss Hill’s challenge, arguing that state law is clear and does not allow a substitution under these circumstances. LEGAL ARGUMENTS ON BOTH SIDES In court filings, Yost argued that Ohio election law does not permit replacement of a running mate within 70 days of a primary election unless the vacancy is caused by death. “Ohio law does not allow candidates to replace their running mates within 70 days of the primary unless one candidate dies,” Yost’s filing states, according to WCMH reporting. Hill’s legal team disputes that interpretation, arguing the statute does not explicitly prohibit a replacement in cases of withdrawal — only that it does not address them. Hill contends that Secretary of State LaRose “unlawfully denied” her affidavit naming a replacement candidate. She has also argued the issue goes beyond procedure and into voter rights. Hill has said the restriction interferes with Ohioans’ “constitutional right to vote for the candidate of their choice,” according to court filings cited by WCMH. THE PROPOSED REPLACEMENT CANDIDATE Hill is seeking to replace Moats with Larry Barnett, her senior campaign advisor. Barnett publicly supported Hill after allegations surfaced involving Moats, including claims that Moats made a racial slur — allegations Moats has denied. Hill’s filing states that the replacement affidavit naming Barnett was properly notarized but was rejected by the Secretary of State’s office. STATE OFFICIALS RESPOND LaRose’s office maintains that Hill’s campaign received proper notification and multiple communications regarding the disqualification. Spokesperson Dan Lusheck said the campaign was informed through official channels and that questions about replacement rules were addressed. Hill, however, has claimed she did not receive direct responses to her inquiries before LaRose’s public announcement of her disqualification. LaRose also instructed all 88 county boards of elections not to count votes cast for Hill. HIGH-COURT TIMING PRESSURE With the May 5 primary approaching, the Ohio Supreme Court has ordered expedited filings, with responses due quickly to allow for a pre-election ruling. Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy set a tight timeline for the case, underscoring the urgency of resolving ballot access questions before votes are cast. If the court does not intervene, votes for Hill will not be counted because she is currently formally disqualified from the ballot. WHAT’S AT STAKE IN THE PRIMARY If Hill remains off the ballot, Ohio Republican voters will choose between: Casey Putsch Front-runner Vivek Ramaswamy The outcome of the court case could determine whether Hill remains part of that contest or is permanently excluded. BOTTOM LINE A fast-moving legal fight is now colliding with Ohio’s election calendar as former GOP candidate Heather Hill asks the state Supreme Court to reverse her ballot removal. With just days before the primary, the court must decide whether Ohio election law allows a late-stage running mate replacement — or whether the Secretary of State’s decision stands, effectively ending Hill’s campaign. The post Secretary of State Frank LaRose Defends Removal of Candidate in Ohio Governor Race appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less