Ohio Governor Mike DeWine opposes death penalty, reversing past support (opens original article in a new tab)

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine reversed his stance on the death penalty, calling for its abolition due to lack of deterrence and concerns about justice, while facing opposition from Republican leaders.

• Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced opposition to the death penalty, reversing past support
• DeWine cited lack of deterrence and concerns about justice certainty and swiftness as reasons for his change
• Ohio's death penalty statute, enacted in 1981, is now under consideration for repeal or voter referendum
• Republican Party establishment and Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman oppose abolishing the death penalty
• Support for the death penalty in the US has declined from 80% in 1994 to 52% in 2025