COLUMBUS, Ohio – The May 4 primaries will set up Democrats as they try to retain a narrow majority in the Ohio House come November.

The party gained seven House seats during a Democratic resurgence helped by President Barack Obama's election in 2008, taking control of the chamber for the first time since 1995. Holding onto their 53-46 majority will be challenging in a tough economy and with angry voters poised to take out their frustrations on incumbents.

House Democrats have a 2-1 fundraising edge, though, with $4 million on hand compared with $1.7 million for House Republicans, according to campaign finance records filed in January.

"The biggest issue is going to be jobs, no question," said state Rep. Jay Goyal, chairman of the Democratic campaign committee. "Voters will be looking to elect the person who is best suited to create jobs and get the economy back on track."

The state's February unemployment rate was 10.9 percent, surpassing than the national rate of 9.7 percent.

In the Ohio Senate, the GOP has a 21-12 majority and a shift in power is improbable. Republicans have controlled the chamber since 1985.

Democrats are concentrating on protecting House seats they gained in 2008, along with targeting two they narrowly lost: a Cleveland-area district won by Republican Nan Baker and a northern Ohio seat occupied by Republican Terry Boose.

Three Democrats are vying for the chance to retake Baker's seat in the 16th District, which includes the Cleveland suburbs of Westlake and Rocky River. Former state Rep. Jennifer Brady, who lost to Baker by about 1,000 votes in 2008, is running again but would first need to beat a pair of primary challengers in Democrats Rosemary Palmer and Peggy Cleary.

Brady said she is looking forward to a rematch with Baker in a district that is traditionally Republican but that she believes is also progressive.

Another House seat up for grabs is in the 17th District, a Democratic-leaning district near Cleveland occupied by Republican state Rep. Josh Mandel, who is leaving to run for state treasurer. Democrats Kelli Perk and Tim White will face off in the primary, while Walton Hills Mayor Marlene Anielski is running for Republicans.

In the Senate, Republicans will try to add to their majority in November, but not before several primary races are settled in May.

The race to fill the 19th District seat being vacated by Senate President Bill Harris, who is term limited, includes state Rep. Kris Jordan of Powell, former Rep. Thom Collier of Mount Vernon and Knox County GOP Party Chairman Louis Petros.

Incumbent Republican Sen. Shannon Jones of Springboro is facing a spirited primary challenge from former state Rep. Michelle Schneider. Both candidates have sparred over who has more anti-tax credentials.

One of the most closely watched races is in central Ohio, where Democrats are trying to take the 3rd District seat being vacated by term-limited Republican Sen. David Goodman of New Albany.

Bexley City Councilman Ben Kessler has the backing of Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern. Kessler is running in the primary against six other Democrats. The winner will take on state Rep. Kevin Bacon, R-Columbus, in the general election.