BEAVERCREEK, Ohio — The 2026 Ohio House Republican primary is shaping up to be a contentious battle in Beavercreek as local businessman Mark Free officially challenges incumbent Representative Sarah Lampton for the District 42 seat. Filing documents submitted to the Greene County Board of Elections confirm both candidates will appear on the March 17, 2026 primary ballot.
Free, a first-time candidate who owns a chain of auto dealerships, has positioned himself as a “political outsider” focused on tax reform and small business growth. Lampton, seeking her third term, touts her legislative record on education funding and infrastructure projects. “This district deserves proven leadership, not risky experiments,” Lampton told supporters at a recent campaign stop, according to a Dayton Daily News report.
Political analysts note the race reflects growing divisions within Ohio’s GOP between establishment figures and insurgent candidates. “Beavercreek has become a bellwether for Republican infighting,” said Dr. Robert Chen of Miami University’s political science department. “Who wins here could signal broader trends heading into the 2026 midterms.”
Campaign finance reports show Lampton with a $287,000 war chest compared to Free’s $182,000, though Free has personally contributed $100,000 to his campaign. Both campaigns have scheduled multiple debates before the primary.