COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced he will seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2026.
Yost, currently serving his second term as attorney general, previously served two terms as Ohio’s auditor. He said he has devoted his career to protecting individual liberties and fostering an environment for economic growth.
PHOTO: Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General., Photo Date: Undated
The only other candidate officially in the race is former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, who is running as a Democrat.
Other Republicans rumored to be considering a gubernatorial bid include Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, of Findlay, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.
For updates on the 2026 Ohio governor’s race, stay tuned.
"This is my heart, my home. I work for the people of Ohio, and I love my bosses. From the time I get up in the morning until I go to bed at night, I'm thinking about them and our future."
-Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General and 2026 Republican gubernatorial candidate
January 23, 2025, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today he is seeking the Republican nomination for governor in 2026. A principled conservative and a strong advocate for Ohio’s families, businesses, and taxpayers, Yost has gained a national reputation as an America First attorney general, supporting President Trump’s agenda at the state level. He has devoted his career to protecting individual liberties, fighting against partisan lawfare and creating a stable environment for economic growth.
"This is my heart, my home," Yost said. "I work for the people of Ohio, and I love my bosses. From the time I get up in the morning until I go to bed at night, I'm thinking about them and our future."
As Ohio Attorney General, Yost protected Ohioans’ Second Amendment rights and fought in court against the Biden administration’s open-border policies. He succeeded in winning legal battles against federal overreach and won a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses.
Yost’s pioneering case against a major energy corporation for its role in a public corruption scandal saved Ohio taxpayers more than a billion dollars, reinforcing his commitment to transparent and responsible governance. He has defended policies that protect girls’ sports and shield minors from irreversible gender transition surgeries, safeguarding Ohio’s future generations. He has also championed new laws that strengthen charter school accountability and protect school choice in Ohio.
“After receiving a groundswell of support from voters across the state and much prayer and consultation, I am answering the call to duty,” Yost said. “I will be faithful. I will not falter, and I will not fail.”
Yost was elected Ohio Attorney General in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, with more votes than any Attorney General in Ohio history. He also served two terms as Ohio Auditor and Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney. Prior to serving in elected office, Yost practiced law in Delaware County. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Columbus. They have three adult children and five grandchildren.
