Politics

DeWine won't back GOP effort to weaken Acton's powers before she takes office

Columbus • November 6, 2026 • By Press Pass USA

The Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus

Photo: Ohio Association of Community Health Centers

Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday he will not support an effort by the Republican-controlled Legislature to dilute the governor's powers before Democrat Amy Acton takes office in January.

"I don't think any governor is going to approve anything, whether Democrat or Republican, that would dramatically change the powers of the governor," DeWine told reporters at a post-election conference hosted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. "I don't think that's appropriate."

DeWine's comments came days after Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy on Nov. 3, becoming the first Democrat elected governor of Ohio in 20 years. The result raised questions about whether Republicans will use the December lame-duck session to weaken the executive branch, as they did to DeWine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DeWine said he has not spoken with GOP leaders about such a move and is unsure whether it is a priority when lawmakers return to the Ohio Statehouse. Sen. Bill Reineke, a Tiffin Republican who is expected to take over as Senate president in January, said Senate Republicans have not had any group discussions about limiting the governor's power.

"We're all trying to collaborate and be cooperative on all of the issues that affect Ohio," Reineke said, noting that he called Acton to congratulate her.

Democrats are not waiting to see what happens. Sen. Bill DeMora, a Columbus Democrat, said Acton should threaten to veto Republican budget priorities if lawmakers attempt to strip her powers.

"If they want to play hardball, then we have to play hardball," DeMora said.

The stakes are lower than they were a week ago. On Nov. 3, Democrats broke the Republican veto-proof majority in the Ohio House, which the GOP had held since 2013 — meaning Acton's veto will carry real weight once she takes office.

DeWine, who endorsed Ramaswamy, declined to say whether Republicans chose the right nominee after bruising losses up and down the ballot. He said he and First Lady Fran DeWine met with Acton and her husband at the governor's residence on Nov. 4, and that he intends to be open with the incoming administration and offer as much help as they want.

Acton officially launched her transition on Nov. 5 and tapped John Haseley, who served as former Gov. Ted Strickland's chief of staff, to run the effort. She will be sworn in on Jan. 11, 2027.

"We need to move on and look at how the state is going to be governed," DeWine said. "We all have a responsibility — mine will end in a couple months — but people who were elected have an obligation to listen to what the voters say and to do the best they can for the state of Ohio."

Sources: The Columbus Dispatch, “Gov. Mike DeWine won't back GOP efforts to dilute Acton's power” (Nov. 5, 2026); Signal Cleveland, as reported Nov. 6, 2026; The Columbus Dispatch, “What does Amy Acton mean for Ohio's education, school vouchers?” (Nov. 5, 2026); Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, “DLCC Breaks Ohio House Supermajority With Historic Gains” (Nov. 4, 2026); Cincinnati Enquirer, “When will Amy Acton be sworn in as Ohio's governor? What to know” (Nov. 4, 2026).