Ryan Rivers, a Republican from Delaware County, is running for Ohio State Senate District 19 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat Scott Charland.
Rivers, a former Orange Township trustee and founding director of The Rivers Companies, describes himself on his campaign website as a business professional who has "worked directly with employers, entrepreneurs, and local communities to create jobs, expand investment, and cut through bureaucratic barriers."
He is certified for the ballot, according to election data compiled by BallotReady.
Candidate information
- Name: Ryan Rivers
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: Ohio State Senate, District 19
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Education: Bachelor's degree from Ohio University (2000), according to BallotReady
- Residence: Delaware County, where he lives with his wife and daughters, according to his campaign website
Experience and public service
- Trustee, Orange Township: 2018–2021, according to BallotReady
- Founding director, The Rivers Companies: 2010–present, according to BallotReady
- Project manager, Bond Program, Delaware County: 2024–present, according to BallotReady
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Rivers' responses on his campaign website and BallotReady questionnaire. They reflect the candidate's own statements.
Taxes and property tax relief: Rivers said he will work to reduce the tax burden on homeowners, seniors and working families. He said too many Ohioans are being priced out of their homes by unsustainable property tax increases.
Government accountability: Rivers said he will take on government waste, hold bureaucrats accountable and protect taxpayers from misuse of their tax dollars.
Public safety: Rivers said he will support law enforcement officers and work to keep communities safe.
Jobs and economic development: Rivers said he supports jobs and investment while demanding accountability, transparency and meaningful local input.
Endorsements
Rivers lists the following endorsements on his campaign website and social media accounts. All endorsement claims come from the candidate.
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Teamsters Ohio D.R.I.V.E.
- Right to Life
- Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom
- Affiliated Construction Trades Ohio
- Ohio Association of Public School Employees
- Ohio State Legislative Board Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen
- International Union of Operating Engineers
- Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio
- Columbus/Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council
- National Federation of Independent Business
- Ohio Chamber of Commerce
- Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Agriculture of Good Government
- Buckeye Firearms Association
- Ohio State Medical Association
Candidate responses were gathered from Rivers' campaign website and public social media accounts. The Powell-Olentangy Journal did not interview the candidate for this profile.
