Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Supports Abolishing Death Penalty

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced his support for abolishing the death penalty in Ohio during a news conference on June 17, 2026. DeWine, a Republican, cited data indicating that capital punishment does not deter violent crime. He stated, "For the state to take a human life, there must be evidence that in doing so it will help protect the public... I do not believe that argument today can be successfully made." DeWine presented charts showing a decline in death sentences and executions, as well as long wait times for inmates on death row. He noted that many condemned individuals die of natural causes or suicide before execution. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in Ohio in 1981, 56 people have been executed, while 41 died by natural causes or suicide on death row, and 89 sentences were overturned due to judicial actions. DeWine emphasized the emotional toll on victims' families and state employees involved in executions. He called on the legislature to abolish the death penalty or allow residents to vote on the issue, despite opposition from some lawmakers. DeWine has not authorized any executions during his tenure, citing issues with drug supplies for lethal injections. He expects no executions to occur before the end of his term.