As Ohio enters an election year, Governor Mike DeWine is poised to reflect on his legacy during his final year in office. The Ohio General Assembly’s 2026 session officially begins on January 6 but will largely pause until a few weeks later due to the upcoming elections. The candidate filing deadline is set for February 4, leading lawmakers to await potential announcements from those seeking office and any unexpected retirements from the Ohio House or Senate.
The early months of 2026 are expected to see legislators focus on issues that resonate strongly with public sentiment. Among the anticipated topics are ongoing debates around the treatment of transgender individuals and the allocation of public school funding. However, the spotlight will likely also shine on DeWine’s decisions regarding his legacy, particularly as he is unable to seek re-election and must step down in January 2027.
DeWine has articulated a three-part legacy focused on enhancing the health and educational readiness of young Ohioans, promoting job growth, and advocating for the conservation of the state’s natural and historic resources. These themes may shape the legislative agenda, but a notable aspect of DeWine’s governorship has been his quiet opposition to capital punishment—a significant shift from his earlier political stance.
During his tenure, there have been no executions in Ohio, a stark contrast to previous administrations. Under former governors, including Bob Taft, Ted Strickland, and John R. Kasich, the state executed 24, 17, and 15 inmates, respectively. DeWine has cited difficulties in obtaining appropriate lethal injection drugs as a primary reason for the moratorium on executions.
Currently, there are 113 inmates on Ohio’s Death Row, with a demographic disparity evident among those sentenced. Approximately 55% of these inmates are African American, while the overall African American population in Ohio stands at about 13.6%, according to the Census. This raises questions about equity in the application of the death penalty within the state.
As DeWine approaches his final months in office, the possibility of commuting death penalty sentences to life without parole has emerged as a potential move. Although he is a practicing Catholic, his approach to this sensitive issue has been measured. The updated Catholic catechism, as articulated by Pope Francis, emphasizes the inadmissibility of the death penalty, framing it as an affront to human dignity.
While such a decision could provoke backlash from some members of his party, DeWine’s ability to commute sentences could be limited only by legislative pushback, which has historically been more vocal than effective.
As DeWine navigates this pivotal year, the implications of his decisions on capital punishment and broader legislative themes will likely resonate beyond his tenure, shaping the future of Ohio’s political landscape.
For inquiries or feedback regarding this article, please contact Thomas Suddes at [email protected] or reach out to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at [email protected].
