6-17-2026 12:21am

Gov. Mike DeWine Announces His Opposition to The Death Penalty

Jon Crane

AI-generated illustration symbolizing opposition to the death penalty. Created with ChatGPT (OpenAI), 2026.

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Today at a news conference in Columbus Gov. Mike DeWine announced why he has changed his mind on the death penalty.

The governor's comments were strictly policy-based. He did not speak of faith, racial bias, or innocence. He centered his remarks on the reasons he pursued the death penalty as a prosecutor, Attorney General, state legislator, and congressional legislator. He said he supported the death penalty because he thought it was a deterrent that would save lives. That was his reason.

DeWine then made a very compelling case that Ohio's facts show the death penalty is not a deterrent because of the long process and the very low current use of the death penalty. He said the long process harms the families of murder victims and the execution process harms corrections officials. He encouraged the legislators to act on this and to legislate an end to the death penalty.

Reactions to Gov. DeWine's announcement are coming from many quarters, including State Rep Adam Mathews of Lebanon (R) District who said, "There are a number of Republicans in Ohio who are rightfully questioning the death penalty. We are consistently pro-life and against big government programs that fail to deliver on their promises."

Here is reaction of interest...

Statement by Gary Mohr, former Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, who oversaw 15 executions in Ohio:

“Like Governor DeWine, my feelings about the death penalty have changed over the years in my career in corrections. It’s difficult to overstate just how much the execution process impacts everyone involved, and I hope Ohio continues to move away from the death penalty."

Statement by Rep. Jean Schmidt (R), District 62

“For many years, I was a proponent of the death penalty. My views changed because of the risks of executing an innocent person, the exorbitant costs, and my belief in the sanctity of life. The death penalty is no longer a policy worth preserving.”

Statement by Sen. Stephen Huffman (R), District 5

"Like the Governor, the more I learned about the death penalty over the years, the more I questioned it. Currently, I cannot reconcile my pro-life views with a costly, flawed death penalty process."

Statement by Rep. Ron Ferguson (R), District 96

“I’m glad that the Governor has recognized the death penalty in Ohio is a bloated, expensive, failed policy. Wrongful convictions occur and executions can’t be undone. It has not succeeded and it should end.”

Statement by former Sen. Peggy Lehner (R), Kettering

“Pope Leo’s recent statements about the death penalty reminded me that we value life here in Ohio. The death penalty is contrary to upholding the dignity of each person.”

Statement by Jon Mann, son of Jonathan Mann, murdered by an Ohio death row inmate:

“I used to support the death penalty, but after my father was murdered, I found out just how much the policy harms co-victims like me. I'm glad to hear the governor has also changed his position, and I hope it ultimately leads to the end of Ohio's death penalty.”

Statement by Jim Petro, former Ohio Auditor and Attorney General

"As a conservative and someone who has seen the system up close, I know the flaws of the death penalty and the wrongful convictions it produces. Governor DeWine is right to conclude he no longer supports the death penalty."

Statement by Governor Bob Taft, 67th Governor of Ohio

“Governor DeWine has been thoughtful and given this issue the careful consideration it needs. As a former governor, I know what it's like to contend with this issue and I support his decision. The legislature taking up the issue and passing repeal this year is in the best interest of the people of Ohio.”

Statement by Mark Godsey, Co-Founder & Director, Ohio Innocence Project

"Twelve men have been exonerated from Ohio's death row after evidence of their wrongful convictions was discovered. Scores of other Ohioans have been exonerated from long prison sentences. The factors that drive such wrongful convictions persist, so it makes sense that the governor is rethinking a system that risks taking innocent lives."

Statement by Shannon Hughes, Executive Director, Ignite Peace, partner with NoDeathPenaltyOH:

“Ignite Peace is grateful to Governor DeWine for joining the growing community of people who oppose the death penalty and see a way forward without it. State sponsored killing creates lasting trauma for victims’ families, exonerees, prison staff, and communities. A justice system that compounds violence rather than healing it does not protect any of us. Today Ohioans can be proud that our governor cares enough for all of us to interrupt these cycles of violence and create space for real justice.”

Statement by Laura Porter, Executive Director, U.S. Campaign to End the Death Penalty:

“The Governor’s change of position on the death penalty is part of a trend of Republicans across Ohio and nationwide questioning the death penalty. Fewer than half of Americans ages 18-54 support the death penalty because it is a broken policy that is not worth holding onto.”

Statement by Demetrius Minor, Executive Director, Conservatives Concerned

“Gov. DeWine is in step with many Republican state office holders across the country who are saying the death penalty does not align with conservative principles of valuing life, protecting innocent people, and being fiscally responsible. We will continue to work to make sure the death penalty will become a practice of the past in the Buckeye state.”