Most Ohio Senate Republicans back DeWine for governor

Three-fourths of chamber’s GOP express support.

Three fourths COLUMBUS — of the Republican members of the Ohio Senate have endorsed Attorney General Mike DeWine for governor over his sole opponent for the nomination, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor.

The campaign of the ticket of DeWine and Secretary of State Jon Husted announced the endorsements early Thursday afternoon.

The DeWine-Husted campaign previously had announced the endorsement of Senate President Larry Obhof of Medina. The three other leaders of the GOP dominated chamber also are endorsing DeWine-Husted — President Pro Tem Bob Peterson, Majority Leader Randy Gardner and Majority Whip Gayle Manning.

“Our team is thrilled to add the support of so many leaders from across Ohio who know that Mike DeWine and Jon Husted are the proven conservatives with the vision and experience to move Ohio forward,” said campaign spokesman Ryan Stubenrauch.

The other GOP senators endorsing the ticket are Rob McColley, Kevin Bacon, Bill Beagle, Peggy Lehner, Bob Hackett, Joe Uecker, Stephanie Kunze, John Eklund, Troy Balderson, Matt Dolan, Dave Burke, Scott Oelslager, Frank Hoagland and Jay Hottinger.

The Republican senators who did not endorse DeWine-Husted are William Coley, Steve Wilson, Lou Terhar, Matt Huffman, Kris Jordan and Frank LaRose, a Republican candidate for secretary of state.

Taylor, meanwhile, was endorsed Wednesday evening by the Clermont County Republican Party by an 83-to41 vote over DeWine, with 11 committee members voting to make no endorsement.