Governors of Ohio

Recognized as a state in 1803 and affectionately dubbed the Buckeye State, Ohio continues to take steps toward staying on the leading edge of business, technology, industry, and development. Ohio governors have long been prominent figures on the political landscape. This has also been the case during the 70th and current Ohio governor, Mike DeWine's watch since taking office in 2019. That is due in part to Ohio's positioning and status as a swing state, often viewed as a political battleground during multiple presidential elections. Governor DeWine has also quickly become recognized as a hands-on governor being instrumental in employment and healthcare initiatives across the state. There are also more than 11 million residents whose lives are impacted by the decisions Ohio governors make.

Ohio's Governor History

Serving as governor has led to the highest office in the land for two-time governor Rutherford B Hayes along with fellow Republican William McKinley. Both leaders donned the position of Ohio governor en route to their Presidential campaigns. The first governor of Ohio, from 1803 to 1807, was Democratic-Republican Edward Tiffin. The first eight governors of the state were Democratic-Republicans. The first Democratic governor was sworn in in 1832.

Who is the Most Recent Democratic Governor?

Ohio governors are bestowed with a position of power and considerable recognition. They have also predominantly leaned Republican for the past three decades. Starting with the eight-year run by Republican governor George Voinovich from January 14, 1991, to December 31, 1998, and including current Ohio governor, Mike DeWine, there has only been one Democrat to hold the State's highest seat. That was Ted Strickland, who was Ohio's governor from January 8, 2007, to January 10, 2011.