Bryan Hambley, a cancer doctor who attracted media attention in 2016 when he was thrown out of a Donald Trump rally for protesting, announced his candidacy for the 2026 Democratic primary for Ohio secretary of state.

Hambley, of Warren County, is the first candidate to declare his intent to run for the seat next year.

Incumbent Frank LaRose, a Republican, cannot seek reelection in 2026 because of the state’s term limits law.

Republicans have held the secretary of state position for all but four years since 1991. Several Republicans might seek the office in the 2026 election.

Hambley said: “Democracy works best when communities can exercise their right to be heard. Here in Ohio, we have seen our secretary of state abuse our democracy, make it harder to vote, purging voters from the voter rolls and drawing unfair maps that have been deemed unconstitutional time and time again.”

Hambley added: “I am running because I care about Ohio and I have seen my patients and our communities suffer from a broken and gerrymandered democracy.”

Hambley filed a designation of treasurer, allowing him to start raising money for his campaign.

Hambley said: “You may be wondering how a doctor comes to decide it’s time to run for an office like secretary of state. I see every day how inaction by Ohio’s government impacts the lives of people across our state.”

As Trump was heading toward the Republican nomination for president in 2016 — and won that election — Hambley helped organize Stand Together Against Trump.

At a March 12, 2016, Trump rally, Hambley wore a shirt reading “Muslim doctors save lives in Cleveland,” gave a peace sign and yelled, “Stop the bigotry.” He was quickly removed by security.

The group also protested at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 21 of that year. Trump accepted the Republican nomination that evening. The group disbanded later that year.

Hambley said he has organized communities to fight against pharmaceutical companies, bring critical health care to underserved communities and stand up for the right to vote.