COLUMBUS – Republicans have retained control of Ohio’s state government, starting with the governor‘s office.
RELATED: Democrats seize control of U.S. House
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has defeated Obama-era consumer protection chief Richard Cordray in the contest to replace John Kasich, a Republican who is term-limited at the end of this year.
The 71-year-old DeWine’s win over Cordray on Tuesday puts him in an influential position as a key swing state draws new legislative and congressional maps and makes its 2020 pick for president.
Congratulations to Governor-elect Mike DeWine. This victory is a win for the people of Ohio and a clear rebuke of Richard Cordray’s failed policies that would have been devastating for Ohio families. Mike DeWine is a champion for Ohio values and a tried and true leader that will continue to lead Ohio to a brighter tomorrow. – Mandi Merritt, Ohio Communications Director, Republican National Committee
DeWine’s margin of victory was over 181,000 votes out of a total of 4.4 million cast in an election that saw very strong turnout.
The takeaway for Republican President Donald Trump is unclear. The victory comes after DeWine’s 11th hour embrace of both Republican President Donald Trump and Kasich, a key detractor.
DeWine walked a careful line on the president, choosing instead to tout his own long record of public service, including as lieutenant governor, congressman and U.S. senator.
In his victory speech, he made a call for unity amid a climate of division and rancor.
“To reach our state’s great destiny, we need the dedication and the energy of each and every Ohio citizen, so come with us and be a part of this,” he told supporters.
Former President Barack Obama campaigned for Cordray and other Democrats, arguing Democratic wins were needed as a check and balance on Congress and the White House.
The GOP maintained its supermajority in the Ohio House, despite Democrats’ hopes that strong candidates and national momentum would help them cut into GOP legislative majorities.
With nearly all races called, House Republicans had secured at least 64 of 99 House seats, more than the 60 votes needed to flex powers like overriding vetoes and more easily placing constitutional amendments before voters. Democrats picked up three Republican seats, while Republicans took one held by a Democrat.
As a caucus, House Republicans will continue to promote the kinds of policies that have helped our state create more than a half-million private sector jobs, reduce the unemployment rate and protect our state’s most vulnerable populations. -Ohio House Speaker Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell)
Republicans, as expected, also remain in control of the Ohio Senate.
With DeWine also retaining the party’s control of the governor’s office, outnumbered Democrats will continue to have little sway over state law-making.
Republican state Rep. Keith Faber has been elected Ohio auditor, defeating former U.S. Rep. Zack Space.
Faber succeeds two-term Republican Dave Yost, defeated former Democratic federal prosecutor Steve Dettelbach to become the state’s next attorney general.
Republican state Rep. Robert Sprague has been elected Ohio treasurer and Sen. Frank LaRose has won the race for Ohio Secretary of State, maintaining the GOP’s control on all of Ohio’s statewide edlective offices.
Democrats have won both Ohio Supreme Court seats up for election, cutting into total GOP control of the court.
Democratic challenger Judge Melody Stewart, a Cleveland appeals court judge, defeated Republican incumbent Justice Mary DeGenaro, of suburban Youngstown, on Tuesday. DeGenaro was appointed by Kasich earlier this year.
In the court’s open race, Democrat Judge Michael Donnelly, of Cleveland, beat GOP appeals court Judge Craig Baldwin, of Newark.
The winners join five GOP justices on the state high court and along with U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown were the only Democrats winning statewide races.