Who is Mike DeWine, the Republican Ohio governor who has called for an end to the death penalty?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday used his bully pulpit to call for an end to the death penalty in Ohio.The 79-year-old Republican cited his expertise on the issue as a former county prosecutor, member of both chambers of Congress and Ohio attorney general, as well as his seven years as governor. But DeWine’s support for a policy change is far from assured to make waves, even in a state controlled by his own party. That’s because DeWine is more moderate than many younger Republicans in the state, whose political aspirations rely on endorsements from President Donald Trump, a staunch death penalty supporter.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks at a news conference on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos)

Here’s a closer look at DeWine and his place in Ohio’s political landscape:

Fifty years of experience with the death penaltyDeWine was first elected to public office in 1976, when he became prosecuting attorney in Greene County, where he grew up. He still lives in the historic home there where he and his wife, who had eight children, hosted a summer ice cream social each year to encourage and celebrate GOP candidates and officeholders. The event ended its 50-year run just last weekend.