Overview

The Governor is Ohio’s chief executive. Oh. Const. art. III, § 5. The Lieutenant Governor is the second highest ranking executive official in the state and is first in the line of succession to the office of Governor. Oh. Const. art. III, § 15.

The Governor plays a limited role in the administration of elections in the state and is responsible for several discrete tasks in this context. For example, if the office of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is contested, then the Governor selects a justice to hear and determine the case (other than the Chief Justice). Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3515.08(B). The Governor is also present at the casting of the vote for President and Vice President of the U.S. by the Presidential Electors of the state. Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3505.39. In the case of a tie vote, the Governor determines the result by lot. Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3505.39. In addition, the Governor must be present at the canvass of election results conducted by the Secretary of State. Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3505.35.

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected on the same ballot for a four-year term and are limited to two successive terms. Oh. Const. art. III, §§ 1, 1a, 2; Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 107.01. The current Governor of Ohio is Mike DeWine, a Republican. The Lieutenant Governor is Jon Husted, also a Republican. Both officials took office on January 14, 2019. The next election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor will be held in 2026.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Governor are:

1. Selecting a Supreme Court justice to preside over an election contest proceeding when the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is the subject of the proceeding. Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3515.08(B).
2. Attending the vote by the Presidential Electors for U.S. President and Vice President and breaking a tie vote by lot. Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3505.39.
3. Attending the Secretary of State’s canvass of election results. Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3505.35.

The key duties of the Lieutenant Governor are:

1. Filling the position of Governor if the need arises. Oh. Const. art. III, § 15.

Selection and Vacancy Information

• Elected: The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected positions. Oh. Const. art. III, § 1; Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 107.01. In the general election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, one vote is cast jointly for the candidates nominated by the same political party. Oh. Const. art. III, § 1a.
• Tiebreaking: In the case of a tie, the Secretary of State resolves the tie by lot. Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 3505.35.
• Term of Office: The term of office for Governor and Lieutenant Governor is four years. Oh. Const. art. III, § 2; Ohio Rev. Code. Ann. § 107.01. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are limited to two successive terms of four years. Oh. Const. art. III, § 2. Two terms are considered successive unless separated by more than four years. Oh. Const. art. III, § 2.
• Next Election: The next general election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor in Ohio is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
• Qualifications: To be eligible for the office of Governor or Lieutenant Governor, a person must possess the “qualifications of an elector.” Oh. Const. art. XV, § 4. In Ohio, to be a qualified elector a person must be a citizen of the U.S., at least 18 years of age, and a resident of the state (and relevant locality within the state). Oh. Const. art. V, § 1.
• Vacancy: **In the event of the death, conviction on impeachment, resignation, or removal of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor succeeds to the office of Governor. Oh. Const. art. III, § 15(A). In the event of a vacancy in the office of Governor or if the Governor is unable to fulfill the duties of the office due to a disability, the Lieutenant Governor serves in the position of Governor. Oh. Const. art. III, §§ 15(B), (C). To fill a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor, the Governor nominates a replacement, who must be confirmed by the General Assembly. Oh. Const. art. III, § 17a.