2022 Ohio Governor Voters Guide
Mike DeWine (R) vs Nan Whaley (D)
The Candidates
Ban. Signed a bill banning abortions after six weeks, with sole exception for life and health of the mother. The bill became law after Roe v. Wade was overturned.
No. Signed a 2019 bill that subsidized coal companies, reduced green-energy utility mandates, and greatly cut Ohio’s renewable energy goal. In 2021 signed a bill to make it easier for local officials to block solar and wind projects. Opposed 2015 Clean Power Plan.
Yes. Led group of mayors lobbying for climate action: “There is one threat that is challenging all of our hometowns: climate change…It’s never been more urgent to act.” Invest in “renewable energy and battery technology, so we get the jobs of the future.”
Yes. Challenged a federal rule that makes it more difficult for charter schools to apply for federal funds. Expanded public funding for vouchers and charter schools.
No. Opposes “large donors” who “want to privatize education and voucherize education,” which “will take the bottom out of public education.”
Mostly loosen. Signed a 2022 bill rolling back stream protections as advocated by mining and construction companies, opposed by environmentalists. Appointed an energy-company rep as top public utility regulator. Expanded a program to improve Lake Erie water quality.
Tighten. “Will fight to protect Ohio’s environment.” As Dayton mayor, led a push to get the Pentagon to clean and prevent ground water contamination at nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Less. After advocating for gun restrictions in 2019, signed a 2021 “Stand Your Ground” law, removing limits on use of lethal force in self-defense, and a 2022 law removing training, background check, and permit requirements for concealed gun carry.
Mixed. Opposed ACA and Medicaid expansion for ten years, then supported keeping it. Sued Biden Administration to keep Trump-era Medicaid work requirements.
Yes. Supports ACA. Wants an independent health oversight board, capping insulin prices at $30, and Medicaid coverage for addiction services.
Supports refugee settlement. Opposed separating children of undocumented immigrants from their parents. As attorney general, supported temporary driver’s licenses for DACA recipients. Sent Ohio State Troopers to Texas to help with border surveillance.
Unclear. In 2018 would not say if he would sign potential “right-to-work” legislation, allowing employees in a unionized workplace to not pay union dues. Signed a 2022 bill limiting overtime pay.
Easier. Outlined “worker’s bill of rights,” including “the ability to organize and be recognized as a union.” Led Conference of Mayors committee supporting federal PRO Act to strengthen workers’ rights.
Limit. Signed a bill that allows medical providers to refuse to treat LGBTQ Ohioans, based on “moral, ethical, or religious beliefs.” Said patients will have no problem finding care from other providers.
Expand. While she was mayor, Dayton was among first Ohio cities to ban gay-conversion therapy. Opposes discrimination based on sexual orientation. Officiated the first same sex marriage in Ohio.
Ban. Legalization would lead to children in emergency rooms from eating marijuana gummy candies, and to more automobile accidents. “It would really be a mistake for Ohio, by legislation, to say that marijuana for adults is just ok.”
Legal. “I’ve long been a supporter of marijuana legalization.” Marijuana laws have “been disproportionately enforced in Black communities.” If legalized, the state should make sure that Black entrepreneurs can take advantage of the business opportunities.
No recent position found. In 2018 said would be open to considering an increase but concerned about losing starter jobs because wages would be too high. As Ohio attorney general opposed cities raising the wage above the state minimum.
Raise. Backs legislation to increase to $15 an hour. If that fails, will promote a ballot issue. “Wages need to go up across the board in Ohio so one good job can be enough.”
No position found on interest or loan forgiveness. Signed a 2021 budget that increases high-need student financial aid and freezes tuition at four-year public universities. Will use federal COVID funds for scholarships.
Yes for specific groups. Supports exploring “debt forgiveness for people who take jobs in certain sectors,” while making community colleges and trade schools more affordable.
Less. Signed a 2021 budget bill that gave tax cuts to all income levels, with 60% of benefits going to the wealthiest 5%, along with reduced business taxes.
More. Corporations and wealthy “should pay their fair share” so property taxes for seniors and others can be reduced.
Despite reservations about their constitutionality, cast a decisive vote to approve legislative maps giving Republicans a significantly greater percentage of seats than their recent statewide voting totals. No clear position found on such restrictions as voter ID or on drop boxes.
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