Though Democrat Tim Ryan has not pulled the trigger on a gubernatorial bid, all signs point to the former 20-year Mahoning Valley congressman running for the seat.

The announcement could come next week or Ryan could wait until early December. Feb. 4, 2026, is the filing deadline for the May 5 primary.

During a recent text exchange, Dennis Willard, Ryan’s spokesman, wrote: “He has not made a decision. He has asked his team to prepare to launch a campaign.”

In my response to asking if Ryan is getting close to a decision, Willard wrote: “The fact that he has asked us to prepare to run a campaign indicates he is getting closer to a decision.”

I then asked what the preparations entail. Willard responded: “Everything we would need to stand up a campaign from identifying key personnel to mana

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