Richard Michael DeWine, an American politician and attorney, is the 70th governor of Ohio, serving since 2019. As a member of the Republican Party, he has held various political positions, including the 50th Attorney General of Ohio (2011-2019), U.S. Representative (1983-1991), and U.S. Senator (1995-2007).
January 5, 1947: Birth of Mike DeWine
Mike DeWine was born in Yellow Springs, Ohio on January 5, 1947.
June 3, 1967: DeWine Marries Frances Struewing
Mike DeWine married Frances Struewing on June 3, 1967.
1969: Mike DeWine Graduates from Miami University
Mike DeWine earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education from Miami University in 1969.
1969: Mike DeWine Graduates from Miami University
Mike DeWine graduated from Miami University with a bachelor's degree in education in 1969.
1972: Mike DeWine Earns Law Degree
Mike DeWine earned a Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University College of Law in 1972.
1972: Mike DeWine Earns Law Degree
Mike DeWine received his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University College of Law in 1972.
1976: Mike DeWine Elected Greene County Prosecutor
At age 25, Mike DeWine began working as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Greene County, Ohio, and in 1976 was elected County Prosecutor, serving for four years.
1980: Mike DeWine Elected to Ohio State Senate
Mike DeWine was elected to the Ohio State Senate in 1980 and served one two-year term.
1982: Mike DeWine Wins Republican Nomination for U.S. House
Mike DeWine won the Republican nomination for Ohio's 7th congressional district in 1982.
1983: Mike DeWine Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
Mike DeWine began his term as a U.S. Representative in 1983, representing Ohio's 7th congressional district.
1986: Mike DeWine Serves as House Impeachment Manager
In 1986, Dewine was one of the House impeachment managers who prosecuted the case in the impeachment trial of Judge Harry E. Claiborne.
1986: Mike DeWine Re-elected to U.S. House
Mike DeWine ran unopposed for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986.
1990: Mike DeWine Runs for Lieutenant Governor
Mike DeWine did not seek reelection to the House of Representatives in 1990, and briefly ran for governor, but withdrew before the primaries and instead ran for lieutenant governor as George Voinovich's running mate.
1991: Mike DeWine Becomes Lieutenant Governor of Ohio
In 1991, Mike DeWine was sworn in as the 59th lieutenant governor of Ohio, serving under Governor George Voinovich.
1992: Mike DeWine Loses Senate Bid Against John Glenn
Mike DeWine unsuccessfully ran for United States Senate against incumbent John Glenn in 1992.
August 4, 1993: DeWine's Daughter Rebecca Dies in a Car Accident
On August 4, 1993, Mike DeWine's daughter, Rebecca, tragically passed away at 22. Driving at 55 mph in a 25 mph zone during rainy conditions, she lost control of her vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and collided with an oncoming pickup truck traveling at 39 mph.
1994: Mike DeWine Elected to the U.S. Senate
Mike DeWine ran again for Senate in 1994, defeating prominent attorney Joel Hyatt.
1994: Mike DeWine Elected to the U.S. Senate
Mike DeWine was elected to the United States Senate in 1994, during the Republican Revolution.
1999: Mike DeWine Sponsors Drug-Free Century Act
Mike DeWine was the initial sponsor of the Drug-Free Century Act in 1999.
2000: Mike DeWine Re-elected to the U.S. Senate
Mike DeWine was reelected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, defeating Ted Celeste in the general election.
2002: Mike DeWine Votes for Iraq War Resolution
Mike DeWine voted in favor of the 2002 Iraq Resolution authorizing the use of force against Saddam Hussein.
2003: Support for the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act
In 2003, DeWine voted for the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, further demonstrating his stance against abortion.
2004: Support for Assault Weapons Ban Renewal
In 2004, DeWine showed his support for gun control by co-sponsoring an amendment to renew the Federal Assault Weapons Ban.
2006: Endorsement by Brady Campaign
DeWine became the first senatorial candidate to be endorsed by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence in the 2006 election cycle, a testament to his stance on gun control.
2006: Mike DeWine Loses Senate Seat
Mike DeWine lost his bid for reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2006 to Sherrod Brown.
2006: Mike DeWine Loses Senate Seat to Sherrod Brown
Mike DeWine ran for reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2006 but lost to Sherrod Brown.
2007: Mike DeWine Joins Keating Muething & Klekamp
Mike DeWine joined the law firm Keating Muething & Klekamp as corporate investigations group co-chair in 2007.
2008: Mike DeWine Advises John McCain's Presidential Campaign
Mike DeWine advised the Ohio campaign of John McCain's 2008 presidential bid.
July 21, 2009: Mike DeWine Announces Candidacy for Ohio Attorney General
Mike DeWine announced his candidacy for attorney general of Ohio on July 21, 2009.
November 2, 2010: Mike DeWine Elected Ohio Attorney General
Mike DeWine was elected attorney general of Ohio on November 2, 2010, defeating incumbent Richard Cordray.
2010: DeWine Family Purchases Asheville Tourists Baseball Team
The DeWine family acquired the Asheville Tourists, a Minor League Baseball team, in 2010. Brian DeWine, one of Mike DeWine's sons, became the president of the team.
2011: Launch of Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Testing Initiative
In 2011, upon assuming office, DeWine initiated a special program to address the backlog of untested sexual assault kits in Ohio. This initiative resulted in the testing of 13,931 previously untested kits, leading to over 5,000 DNA matches and approximately 700 indictments of alleged rapists.
2011: Mike DeWine Becomes Ohio Attorney General
Mike DeWine became the 50th attorney general of Ohio in 2011.
February 17, 2012: Mike DeWine Retracts Endorsement of Mitt Romney
On February 17, 2012, DeWine announced he was retracting his endorsement of Mitt Romney for president and endorsed Rick Santorum.
2013: Formation of Heroin Unit to Combat Opioid Crisis
In 2013, DeWine established a dedicated Heroin Unit to address the growing heroin problem in Ohio. The unit combined resources from various agencies, including law enforcement, legal support, and outreach services, to combat the issue.
November 4, 2014: Mike DeWine Re-elected as Ohio Attorney General
Mike DeWine was reelected as attorney general of Ohio on November 4, 2014, defeating challenger David A. Pepper.
2014: Mike DeWine Challenges the Affordable Care Act
Mike DeWine challenged the Affordable Care Act's Transitional Reinsurance Program in 2014, arguing that the fee imposed on employers was unconstitutional.
2015: Mike DeWine Files Lawsuit Against Part of the Affordable Care Act
In 2015, DeWine filed a lawsuit against a part of the Affordable Care Act, alleging that the ACA's Transitional Reinsurance Program was unconstitutional as applied to state and local governments.
January 2016: Federal Court Dismisses DeWine's Lawsuit Against the Affordable Care Act
In January 2016, a federal court dismissed DeWine's lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act's Transitional Reinsurance Program.
May 26, 2016: DeWine Announces Candidacy for Governor of Ohio
DeWine officially declared his candidacy for governor of Ohio in the 2018 election on May 26, 2016.
June 25, 2017: DeWine Confirms Gubernatorial Candidacy at Annual Event
DeWine reaffirmed his intention to run for governor of Ohio during his annual ice cream social event held at his Cedarville residence on June 25, 2017.
October 2017: DeWine Announces 12-Pronged Plan to Combat Opioid Epidemic
In October 2017, DeWine unveiled a comprehensive plan with 12 key initiatives aimed at tackling the opioid crisis. This plan drew upon his previous experience in shutting down pill mills, prosecuting traffickers, supporting recovery efforts, and advocating for drug-use prevention education.
October 2017: News Breaks of Potential Columbus Crew Relocation
Reports emerged in October 2017 that Anthony Precourt, the investor-operator of the Columbus Crew soccer club, was exploring the possibility of moving the team out of state.
December 1, 2017: DeWine Selects Jon Husted as Running Mate for Governorship
On December 1, 2017, DeWine announced his choice of Jon Husted, the then-Ohio Secretary of State, as his running mate for the 2018 gubernatorial election.
December 2017: DeWine Reminds Precourt of Legal Obligations Regarding Team Relocation
DeWine sent a letter to Precourt in December 2017, reminding him of his obligations under Ohio law, which required professional sports teams that had received taxpayer assistance to offer local owners the opportunity to purchase the team before relocating.
March 2018: DeWine Files Suit to Prevent Columbus Crew Relocation
In March 2018, DeWine took legal action against Precourt and Major League Soccer to enforce Ohio law and ensure that local investors had a reasonable chance to purchase the Columbus Crew before any potential relocation.
May 8, 2018: DeWine Wins Republican Primary for Governor of Ohio
DeWine secured victory in the Republican primary for governor of Ohio on May 8, 2018, defeating the incumbent Lieutenant Governor, Mary Taylor.
October 2018: Investor Group Announces Deal to Keep Columbus Crew in Ohio
While the lawsuit was ongoing, an investor group, including the owners of the Cleveland Browns and a Columbus-based family, announced in October 2018 that they were finalizing a deal to keep the Columbus Crew in Ohio.
2018: Support for Anti-Gerrymandering Reform
In 2018, DeWine pledged to honor the results of a referendum in which Ohio voters supported anti-gerrymandering reform and a bipartisan approach to redistricting.
February 22, 2019: DeWine Appointed to the Council of Governors by President Trump
President Trump appointed DeWine to the bipartisan Council of Governors on February 22, 2019.
April 2019: Ohio "Heartbeat Bill" Signed into Law
In April 2019, DeWine signed the Ohio "Heartbeat Bill" into law. This bill prohibits abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected, without exceptions for cases of rape or incest, making it one of the strictest abortion laws in the United States.
August 4, 2019: Mass Shooting in Dayton, Ohio
A tragic mass shooting occurred in Dayton, Ohio, on August 4, 2019, resulting in the loss of ten lives and injuries to 27 others. This incident followed closely on the heels of another mass shooting in El Paso, Texas.
October 2019: DeWine Holds First Meeting of Lead Advisory Committee
In October 2019, DeWine convened the inaugural meeting of the Lead Advisory Committee, which he had established to provide guidance on the state's initiatives for lead remediation.
December 10, 2019: DeWine Proposes Improvements to Ohio Interstate Rest Areas
During the Ohio Contractors Association's winter conference on December 10, 2019, DeWine expressed his desire to enhance the condition of Interstate rest areas in Ohio. He proposed incorporating more information about the state's history and culture, aiming to improve their overall quality.
December 2019: DeWine Expresses Support for Cities Banning Plastic Bags
DeWine voiced his support for allowing Ohio cities to implement bans on plastic bags in December 2019. This stance contrasted with the position of some fellow Republicans who were backing bills in the state legislature to prohibit such bans.
2019: Mike DeWine Elected Governor of Ohio
Mike DeWine was elected the 70th governor of Ohio in 2018, and began his term in 2019.
2019: Opposition to Marijuana Legalization
DeWine expressed his opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana for adults in Ohio in 2019.
2019: Proposal for a Red Flag Law
DeWine proposed a red flag law in Ohio in 2019, which would allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.
January 2020: DeWine Deploys National Guard to Puerto Rico Following Earthquakes
In response to a series of earthquakes in Puerto Rico, DeWine dispatched troops from the Ohio National Guard to provide assistance in January 2020.
February 2020: DeWine Remains Neutral on Ohio's Death Penalty
In February 2020, DeWine drew attention for his decision to withhold his personal stance on Ohio's death penalty. This neutrality came at a time when the state had imposed an indefinite hold on executions due to challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs.
February 2020: "F" Rating from NORML
In February 2020, DeWine received an "F" rating from NORML, a marijuana legalization advocacy group, for his policies related to marijuana.
March 11, 2020: Early Actions in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, in response to the imminent threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, DeWine issued an order restricting visitors at Ohio assisted living facilities and nursing homes to one screened visitor per resident per day. He also announced his intention to draft legislation limiting mass gatherings in the state.
December 2020: Bill on Fetal Remains Signed into Law
DeWine signed a bill in December 2020 requiring the cremation or burial of fetal remains from surgical abortions in Ohio. Failure to comply would constitute a first-degree misdemeanor.
2020: DeWine Signs Bill Protecting Free Speech on Campuses, Salary Comparison, and State Employee Salaries
In 2020, Governor DeWine signed a bill into law that prohibited colleges and universities in Ohio from blocking speakers with controversial viewpoints. Additionally, in 2020, DeWine's compensation ranked 17th among state governors at $159,189, falling between the maximum of $225,000 for the governor of New York and the minimum of $70,000 for the governor of Maine. Furthermore, data from the Ohio Checkbook revealed that 92 employees of the Ohio state teachers retirement system, including director William Neville, earned salaries equal to or exceeding that of the governor.
2020: Mike DeWine's Response to COVID-19
Mike DeWine received national attention in early 2020 for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included closing dine-in restaurants and sporting events.
January 2021: Removal of Duty to Retreat Before Shooting in Self-Defense
DeWine signed a bill into law in January 2021 that eliminated the requirement to attempt retreat before using deadly force in self-defense situations.
2021: Opposition to Transgender Athlete Ban
DeWine opposed a bill in 2021 that aimed to ban transgender athletes from competing on sports teams corresponding with their gender identity, believing the issue should be handled by sports leagues and associations.
2021: Pro-Republican Redistricting Map Approved
In 2021, DeWine approved a redistricting map that heavily favored Republicans despite having pledged to support a bipartisan process in 2018. The map gave Republicans a significant advantage in 12 out of 15 districts, drawing criticism from voting rights advocates.
February 27, 2022: Day of Prayer for Ukraine
On February 27, 2022, DeWine declared the day as a "Day of Prayer for the People of Ukraine" in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
March 2022: Permitless Carry Law Implemented
DeWine signed a bill into law in March 2022 that removed the requirement for a license to carry a concealed handgun in public.
2022: Mike DeWine Re-elected as Governor of Ohio
Mike DeWine was re-elected as governor of Ohio in 2022, defeating Democratic nominee Nan Whaley.
2022: Implementation of Pro-Republican Redistricting Map
The controversial redistricting map approved by DeWine in 2021, which favored Republicans, was implemented in 2022.
December 2023: Veto of Bill Restricting Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
DeWine vetoed a bill in December 2023 that would have banned gender-affirming care for minors and prevented transgender youth from participating on sports teams aligning with their gender identity, stating that medical decisions for children are best left to parents.
2023: Opposition to Marijuana Legalization Initiative
DeWine opposed Ohio Issue 2 in 2023, an initiative to legalize and regulate marijuana like alcohol.
April 25, 2024: Support for Arrests at Ohio State University Gaza Solidarity Encampment
DeWine expressed support for the arrests made at the Ohio State University Gaza Solidarity Encampment on April 25, 2024, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including students, were apprehended. He stated that Ohio State University "did well" and that he opposed protests near classrooms, although the encampment was not located near any. He also reiterated his support for Israel and laws prohibiting Ohio State from boycotting or divesting from companies based on their support for Israel.
2024: Call for Action Against Delta 8
DeWine urged lawmakers to address Delta 8, a psychoactive cannabinoid, in 2024.