Ohio Governor DeWine Calls for Ending Death Penalty, Citing Research on Deterrence

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