COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Thursday, Republican Attorney General Dave Yost officially declared his candidacy for the position of Ohio governor, making the announcement at an opportune moment, following the withdrawal of a prominent contender and just days prior to the anticipated entry of a new candidate.
At 68 years old, Yost is vying to succeed Mike DeWine, who is a fellow Republican and has reached his term limit after serving two terms. Yost hinted at his aspirations in a somewhat foreboding black-and-white video shared on X last November.
His announcement comes shortly after DeWine appointed Jon Husted, a former lieutenant governor and a key competitor for the gubernatorial role, to a U.S. Senate seat that was previously occupied by Vice President JD Vance. This timing precedes the expected campaign launch of Vivek Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati-born entrepreneur involved in biotech, who recently stepped away from a federal government project initiated by former President Donald Trump.
During his announcement, Yost aimed to differentiate himself from politicians in Washington, D.C. He expressed deep commitment to Ohio, stating, “This is my heart, my home. I work for the people of Ohio, and I love my bosses. From the time I get up in the morning until I go to bed at night, I’m thinking about them and our future.”
Identifying himself as a “principled conservative,” Yost emphasized his dedication to the Ohio families, businesses, and taxpayers, asserting that he has actively promoted Trump’s agenda at the state level. His notable actions include participating in an antitrust lawsuit against Google, opposing the Biden administration’s border policies, and urging the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene when firearms access faced restrictions from lower courts.
Yost also pressed charges at the state level against former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and others, stemming from a corruption investigation into House Bill 6, which involved a bailout of two nuclear power plants. The case included a defendant who had pleaded not guilty before his death by suicide.
In his campaign announcement, Yost claimed that his prosecutions had saved Ohio taxpayers in excess of $1 billion. In his role as attorney general, he has defended legislation that barred transgender girls from competing in female sports and restricted minors from undergoing gender transition procedures.
“After receiving a groundswell of support from voters across the state and much prayer and consultation, I am answering the call to duty,” Yost declared, promising to be dependable and steadfast in his role if elected.
However, Democrats have characterized Yost’s policies as radical. The Ohio Democratic Party highlighted his appeal of a state law that prohibits most abortions after the detection of cardiac activity, emphasizing that this was filed despite voters having approved a constitutional amendment that protects reproductive rights. Additionally, they referenced his earlier claim suggesting that a 10-year-old rape victim’s case, who had sought an abortion in Indiana post theU.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, could be fabricated—a statement he later regretted.
Democratic spokesperson Katie Seewer also scrutinized Yost’s handling of FirstEnergy Corp, the Akron-based company embroiled in the bribery scheme associated with House Bill 6, questioning the $20 million settlement that enabled the company to evade prosecution.
“At every turn, Yost has ignored Ohio voters at the expense of special interests and extremists in his party,” she asserted. “Now, he wants the same voters he has overlooked to support him for our state’s highest office. Yost claims he’s ready to provide a choice to voters, and we are prepared to ensure Ohioans do not opt for him.”
In the Democratic camp, Dr. Amy Acton, who formerly led Ohio’s health department during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, has also declared her bid for the governor’s office.
Yost has been serving as attorney general since 2018 and successfully won reelection in 2022. Before his current role, he held the position of state auditor for two terms. His career prior to state politics includes serving as a prosecutor for Delaware County and practicing law, as well as working in journalism.
