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Ohio Governor Abolishes Death Penalty, Halts Executions

6/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Governor Mike DeWine announced Ohio will abolish the death penalty and halt future executions.
Ohio has not executed anyone since July 18, 2018, leaving 114 inmates on death row.
DeWine said drug shortages and a 2019 judge ruling the three-drug protocol unconstitutional caused the pause.
Two bipartisan repeal bills are stalled, though polls show about 60 % of voters favor abolition.

History

Historical Context

Furman v. Georgia (1972) forced a nationwide moratorium, vacating more than 630 death sentences, and Gregg v. Georgia (1976) reinstated capital punishment with guided sentencing procedures. Governor Mike DeWine’s 2024 proposal to abolish Ohio’s death penalty draws on the Furman legacy as more states significantly today move away from executions.

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Story summary

Governor Mike DeWine announced Ohio will abolish the death penalty and halt future executions.
Ohio has not executed anyone since July 18, 2018, leaving 114 inmates on death row.
DeWine said drug shortages and a 2019 judge ruling the three-drug protocol unconstitutional caused the pause.
Two bipartisan repeal bills are stalled, though polls show about 60 % of voters favor abolition.

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