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Top Ohio Republicans dismiss bid to weaken Acton's veto power

Columbus, Ohio • November 11, 2026 • By Press Pass USA

Photo: Center for Christian Virtue

Top Ohio Republicans poured cold water on an effort to weaken Gov.-elect Amy Acton's veto power — but they did not rule out other changes to the executive branch before she takes office in January.

Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, proposed a constitutional amendment for the May ballot that would allow lawmakers to override vetoes with a simple majority, rather than the three-fifths of each chamber required for more than 100 years. House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said it would be difficult to organize a campaign and raise the necessary money on such a short timeline. Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, who was Vivek Ramaswamy's running mate, said the amendment would not pass the Senate.

Acton defeated Ramaswamy on Nov. 3, becoming the first Democrat elected Ohio governor in 20 years. The blue-wave election also broke the Republican supermajority in the Ohio House, so Republicans alone can no longer override Acton's vetoes, giving her and Democrats a better shot at advancing their legislative priorities.

The proposal, House Joint Resolution 11, would need three-fifths approval in both chambers before going to voters as a constitutional amendment. A joint resolution does not require the governor's signature to reach the ballot. Republicans will hold a three-fifths majority in both houses until Jan. 1.

But Huffman said lawmakers may consider other changes to state government before the end of the year and will evaluate proposals as they take shape. "From a legislative standpoint, we're always looking at things to make sure that the Legislature stays in a position where they can monitor what the executive branch is doing," Huffman said.

Acton's victory raised questions about whether the GOP-controlled Legislature will dilute the governor's authority during its lame-duck session in November and December. Gov. Mike DeWine has hinted that he would reject any legislation to "dramatically change the powers of the governor." "I don't think any governor would approve anything, whether Democrat or Republican, that would dramatically change the powers of the governor," DeWine said. "I don't think that's appropriate."

Ferguson's amendment is not the only idea floating out there. A bill from Rep. Angie King, R-Celina, would broaden the Legislature's ability to rescind orders by the Ohio Department of Health. Another proposal, introduced before the election, would limit the ability of state agencies to adopt regulations. The Buckeye Institute, a conservative policy think tank, has also recommended "cutting red tape" around legislation and requiring legislative approval for gubernatorial emergency rules — recommendations the institute says are not targeted at a Democratic governor.

House Republicans sought to shut down speculation about a broader power grab. "These are rumors and strictly that. There is no validity to any of these claims," Olivia Wile, majority press secretary for the Ohio House of Representatives, told The Center Square.

Democrats were unconvinced. "People voted for change," House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn, D-Cincinnati, said. "They did not vote for more backroom power grabs by people who are sore losers." Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, warned that "for the Republicans to do some kind of last-minute dirty trick would be shortsighted" and "a slap in the face to the people of Ohio."

Acton spokesperson Virginia Schaus said the governor-elect "looks forward to working closely with partners on both sides of the aisle to deliver on bipartisan solutions and make life better for Ohioans."

Sources: The Columbus Dispatch, "Top Ohio Republicans dismiss ballot issue to weaken Acton's veto power" (Nov. 10, 2026); The Center Square, "Ohio House Republicans try shut down rumors of attempt to limit Acton's governorship" (Nov. 10, 2026).