June 16, 2026

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement today regarding capital punishment in Ohio. 

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday that Ohio should abolish the death penalty, saying it is no longer a deterrent to violent crime, confirming his change of heart on the policy he helped write as a state legislator 45 years ago.

“I do not believe that argument today can be successfully made, nor do I believe that there’s any chance in the future the facts that I’ve cited to support that belief will change. Therefore, I believe Ohio should abolish the death penalty.”