Ohio Gov. DeWine Calls for Abolishing Death Penalty, Citing No Deterrent Effect

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio called June 16 for abolishing the death penalty, saying data shows capital punishment does not deter violent crime. The 79-year-old has postponed executions throughout his seven-year tenure but this marks his first public call for outright abolition. The position shifts from his 2020 stance supporting capital punishment as law. DeWine's advocacy changes the baseline for Ohio legislators, though his lame-duck status limits his political leverage.