[1] Incumbent Republican U.S. senator Rob Portman faced former Democratic governor Ted Strickland.

Initially, the seat was viewed by many to be a potential Democratic pickup, with some early polls showing Strickland ahead, but Portman attained a lead in the summer which grew through the duration of the campaign, and ultimately won re-election to a second term in a landslide, winning 58% of the vote.

Cabinet members and Cabinet-level officials Governors U.S. senators (current and former) U.S. representatives (current and former) Statewide officials Diplomats Individuals Labor unions Organizations Newspapers Presidents Vice Presidents U.S.

Cabinet members and Cabinet-level officials U.S. senators U.S. representatives Ohio state senators Ohio state representatives (current) Ohio state representatives (former) Mayors City Council members Notable individuals Labor unions Organizations Newspapers Portman won 13 of 16 congressional districts, including one held by a Democrat.

[186] Despite being seen early on as a tight race, Portman began to gain the upper hand as Strickland's campaign was said to be the worst he had ever run.