http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:00:04 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/19/bgsu-poll-s/stories/20261019083 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/19/bgsu-poll-s/stories/20261019083#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:25:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/19/bgsu-poll-s/stories/20261019083 Democratic candidates are increasing their leads in polling conducted by Bowling Green State University, as data shows Democrats are more motivated to vote this year. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton speaks during a campaign event at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, on Sept. 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/19/ohio-governor-candidates-weigh-new-restrictions-on-lobbyists/stories/20261016097 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/19/ohio-governor-candidates-weigh-new-restrictions-on-lobbyists/stories/20261016097#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2026 10:22:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/19/ohio-governor-candidates-weigh-new-restrictions-on-lobbyists/stories/20261016097 COLUMBUS — As Ohioans continue to name government corruption as a top issue ahead of the November election, all three candidates for governor have discussed ideas to clean up the Ohio Statehouse. Amy Acton, Vivek Ramaswamy Dr. Amy Acton speaks during a campaign stop at United Steelworkers Local 1-346 in Toledo on Aug. 4. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/18/kaptur-holds-roundtable-with-jeffrey-epstein-survivors/stories/20261017118 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/18/kaptur-holds-roundtable-with-jeffrey-epstein-survivors/stories/20261017118#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2026 14:06:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/18/kaptur-holds-roundtable-with-jeffrey-epstein-survivors/stories/20261017118 Marina Lacerda grew up looking at magazines advertising Victoria’s Secret and going to stores in the mall like Abercrombie & Fitch. The Democratic Women’s Caucus, led by U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D., N.M.), met in Toledo on Saturday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/17/candidate-suspends-ohio-house-campaign-party-condemns-video-animal-abuse/stories/20261017121 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/17/candidate-suspends-ohio-house-campaign-party-condemns-video-animal-abuse/stories/20261017121#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2026 02:37:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/17/candidate-suspends-ohio-house-campaign-party-condemns-video-animal-abuse/stories/20261017121 Zach Hall, the Libertarian candidate for Ohio’s 43rd House district, is suspending his campaign after videos from his past began recirculating online. Libertarian candidate Zach Hall suspended his campaign for Ohio's 43rd House district after videos from his past recirculated on the internet. Libertarian candidate Zach Hall suspended his campaign for Ohio's 43rd House district after videos from his past recirculated on the internet. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/17/brown-kaptur-rally-carpenters-union-ahead-election-day/stories/20261017112 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/17/brown-kaptur-rally-carpenters-union-ahead-election-day/stories/20261017112#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2026 20:36:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/17/brown-kaptur-rally-carpenters-union-ahead-election-day/stories/20261017112 At a Rossford union office, a large American flag set the background for a Get Out the Vote rally headlined by former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur speaks during a campaign meet and greet event at the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters in Rossford. Sherrod Brown, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, speaks. Sherrod Brown, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, speaks. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur speaks. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur speaks. State Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson speaks. Sherrod Brown, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, speaks. Sherrod Brown, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, speaks. Sherrod Brown, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, speaks. Sherrod Brown, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, speaks. Sherrod Brown, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, speaks. Attendees cheer. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur and Sherrod Brown, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, listen to speakers. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur and Sherrod Brown, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, clap. Doug McCarron, general president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, speaks. State Rep. Dani Isaacsohn, the house’s minority leader, speaks. At center, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur and Sherrod Brown, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, interact. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/17/advocates-power-voting-no-kings-rally/stories/20261017105 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/17/advocates-power-voting-no-kings-rally/stories/20261017105#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2026 19:44:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/17/advocates-power-voting-no-kings-rally/stories/20261017105 Crowds of people covered sidewalks along Talmadge Road and Monroe Street, holding signs to communicate the importance of voting ahead of midterm elections. Dina Carrisalez and Amy Smith both hold an anti-Trump sign as a billboard displays an anti-Trump ad behind them during the No Kings: Vote Early rally along Monroe Street in Toledo on Oct. 17. Participants gather together along Monroe Street holding signs during the No Kings: Vote Early rally in Toledo on Oct. 17. Diana Nowels holds a sign that reads “vote republicans out” during the No Kings: Vote Early rally along Monroe Street in Toledo on Oct. 17. Participants line up along Monroe Street holding signs during the No Kings: Vote Early rally in Toledo on Oct. 17. Participants walk along Monroe Street holding signs during the No Kings: Vote Early rally in Toledo on Oct. 17. A participant holds a voter guide quiz during the No Kings: Vote Early rally along Monroe Street in Toledo on Oct. 17. Participants line up along Monroe Street holding signs during the No Kings: Vote Early rally in Toledo on Oct. 17. Passerby in their vehicles show support to participants during the No Kings: Vote Early rally along Monroe Street in Toledo on Oct. 17. Steve Pace holds an anti-Trump sign as a billboard displays an anti-Trump ad behind him during the No Kings: Vote Early rally along Monroe Street in Toledo on Oct. 17. Amy Smith holds an anti-Trump sign as a billboard displays an anti-Trump ad behind her during the No Kings: Vote Early rally along Monroe Street in Toledo on Oct. 17. People hold signs during the No Kings: Vote Early rally along Monroe Street in Toledo on Oct. 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/16/toledo-democrats-drive-importance-affordable-health-care-part-bus-tour/stories/20261016114 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/16/toledo-democrats-drive-importance-affordable-health-care-part-bus-tour/stories/20261016114#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:22:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/16/toledo-democrats-drive-importance-affordable-health-care-part-bus-tour/stories/20261016114 Local Democratic leaders preached the importance of affordable health care as part of a national bus tour on Friday. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur speaks about health care concerns during Protect Our Care's Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now bus tour at UAW Local 12 in Toledo on Oct. 16. Phones record as U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur speaks about health care concerns during Protect Our Care's Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now bus tour at UAW Local 12 in Toledo on Friday. State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson speaks about health care concerns during Protect Our Care's Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now bus tour at UAW Local 12 in Toledo on Friday. Ohio rep. Michelle Grim speaks during Protect Our Care's Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now bus tour at UAW Local 12 in Toledo on Friday. Tracci Johnson speaks during Protect Our Care's Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now bus tour at UAW Local 12 in Toledo on Friday. Dr. Anthony Atkins speaks during Protect Our Care's Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now bus tour at UAW Local 12 in Toledo on Friday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/15/vance-michigan-visit-highlights-political-likeness-ohio/stories/20261015107 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/15/vance-michigan-visit-highlights-political-likeness-ohio/stories/20261015107#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:20:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/15/vance-michigan-visit-highlights-political-likeness-ohio/stories/20261015107 MONROE — Despite a longstanding rivalry between the Buckeye state and its neighbor north, Vice President JD Vance visited Monroe on Thursday for a rally that showed similar political environments between the two states. Vice President JD Vance speaks during a GOP midterm rally on Oct. 15 at the LevelUp Training Complex in Monroe. Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate greets supporters during GOP a midterm rally on Oct. 15 at the LevelUp Training Complex in Monroe. Vice President JD Vance points to supporters during a GOP midterm rally on Oct. 15 at the LevelUp Training Complex in Monroe. Supporters cheer during GOP a midterm rally on Oct. 15 at the LevelUp Training Complex in Monroe. Vice President JD Vance gives a thumbs up to supporters during a GOP midterm rally on Oct. 15 at the LevelUp Training Complex in Monroe. Vice President JD Vance waves at supporters during a GOP midterm rally on Oct. 15 at the LevelUp Training Complex in Monroe. Vice President JD Vance speaks during a GOP midterm rally on Oct. 15 at the LevelUp Training Complex in Monroe. Dr. Mehmet Oz greets supporters during a GOP midterm rally on Oct. 15 at the LevelUp Training Complex in Monroe. Vice President JD Vance speaks during a GOP midterm rally on Oct. 15 at the LevelUp Training Complex in Monroe. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/15/ohio-school-voucher-program-unconstitutional-state-appeals-court-rules/stories/20261015081 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/15/ohio-school-voucher-program-unconstitutional-state-appeals-court-rules/stories/20261015081#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:57:30 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/15/ohio-school-voucher-program-unconstitutional-state-appeals-court-rules/stories/20261015081 COLUMBUS — Ohio’s EdChoice voucher program is unconstitutional, the 10th District Court of Appeals ruled Thursday. A gavel. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/14/women-monument-state-unveil-ohio/stories/20261014083 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/14/women-monument-state-unveil-ohio/stories/20261014083#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:56:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/14/women-monument-state-unveil-ohio/stories/20261014083 COLUMBUS — A new landmark honoring generations of women who fought for suffrage and equality is now established on the grounds of the Ohio Statehouse. Gov. Mike DeWine, left, and First Lady Fran DeWine approach the Ohio Women’s Monument that was unveiled Wednesday after more than six years of work. The Ohio Women’s Monument features four etched granite columns and nine bronze figures representing women across generations, eras, and experiences. Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, center, speaks before state leaders and two students from the Columbus School for Girls cut the ribbon on the Ohio Women's Monument at the Statehouse on Oct. 14. Others in the photo include, from left, former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery, former state Sen. Stephanie Kunze, state Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, and Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman. The Ohio Women's Monument was unveiled at the Statehouse on Oct. 14. Betty Montgomery, Ohio’s first woman attorney general, speaks as part of the unveiling. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/14/barack-obama-campaign-ohio-democrats-sherrod-brown-amy-acton/stories/20261014094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/14/barack-obama-campaign-ohio-democrats-sherrod-brown-amy-acton/stories/20261014094#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:59:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/14/barack-obama-campaign-ohio-democrats-sherrod-brown-amy-acton/stories/20261014094 COLUMBUS — Former President Barack Obama is heading to Ohio to shore up support for Democratic candidates in the Senate and governor’s races, both of which have been highly competitive and brought a flood of campaign cash into the state. Former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign rally Oct. 24, 2024, in Clarkston, Ga. Democratic Ohio Senate candidate Sherrod Brown, a former three-term U.S. senator, speaks at a campaign event in Akron, Ohio, on July 16. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton, participates in a campaign event along the Ohio River, seen behind, in Marietta, Ohio, on Sept. 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/14/ohio-mayor-secretary-state-vie-auditors-office/stories/20261013079 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/14/ohio-mayor-secretary-state-vie-auditors-office/stories/20261013079#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:18:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/14/ohio-mayor-secretary-state-vie-auditors-office/stories/20261013079 COLUMBUS — The statewide office responsible for inspecting the finances of Ohio’s state and local government entities will have a new leader in January. Frank Larose (left), and Annette Blackwell (right). https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/13/ramaswamy-wants-speed-up-toledo-columbus-freeway-project/stories/20261012097 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/13/ramaswamy-wants-speed-up-toledo-columbus-freeway-project/stories/20261012097#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/13/ramaswamy-wants-speed-up-toledo-columbus-freeway-project/stories/20261012097 A final feasibility study assumes construction of a new freeway link between Toledo and Columbus won’t begin until 2035, but one gubernatorial candidate wants to speed up that timetable. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade editorial board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. Ohio GOP candidate for Governor Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate Rob McColley met with The Blade Editorial Board on Oct. 5 in Northwood. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/13/proposed-pilot-program-would-reduce-ohio-energy-costs-advocates-say/stories/20261012081 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/13/proposed-pilot-program-would-reduce-ohio-energy-costs-advocates-say/stories/20261012081#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:30:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/13/proposed-pilot-program-would-reduce-ohio-energy-costs-advocates-say/stories/20261012081 COLUMBUS — Legislation creating a Community Energy Pilot Program would reduce electricity costs for consumers across the state, according to energy rights advocates and local elected officials from northwest Ohio. This April 4, 2017, file photo shows the entrance to FirstEnergy Corp.'s Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station in Oak Harbor, Ohio. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/12/state-auditor-longtime-litigator-face-off-race-ohio-attorney-general/stories/20261009069 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/12/state-auditor-longtime-litigator-face-off-race-ohio-attorney-general/stories/20261009069#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:15:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/12/state-auditor-longtime-litigator-face-off-race-ohio-attorney-general/stories/20261009069 COLUMBUS — Ohio’s next attorney general will be someone with decades of relevant experience regardless of which candidate voters choose in November. Republican Keith Faber, left, is running against Democrat John Kulewicz for Ohio attorney general. John Kulewicz Keith Faber https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/10/incumbent-former-state-rep-and-libertarian-candidate-campaign-for-ohio-s-43rd-ho/stories/20261009094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/10/incumbent-former-state-rep-and-libertarian-candidate-campaign-for-ohio-s-43rd-ho/stories/20261009094#comments Sat, 10 Oct 2026 14:11:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/10/incumbent-former-state-rep-and-libertarian-candidate-campaign-for-ohio-s-43rd-ho/stories/20261009094 The current Democratic state representative for Ohio’s 43rd House district is seeking re-election to a third term, but she faces a former Republican state representative and a Libertarian candidate in a crowded race. Zach Hall, left, Michelle Grim, and David Karmol, right. Ohio State Rep. Michele Grim speaks during a news conference about coming new health science academy at Mercy College of Ohio in Toledo on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. Zach Hall, a recent nursing assistant graduate, is running as a Libertarian candidate in Ohio's 43rd House district. Former state Rep. David Karmol, a Republican, is seeking to return to the Ohio House of Representatives to be a voice for Ohio's 43rd House district. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/10/the-united-auto-workers-tries-to-reassert-political-power-in-michigan-as-it-faces-internal-divisions/stories/20261010063 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/10/the-united-auto-workers-tries-to-reassert-political-power-in-michigan-as-it-faces-internal-divisions/stories/20261010063#comments Sat, 10 Oct 2026 12:02:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/10/the-united-auto-workers-tries-to-reassert-political-power-in-michigan-as-it-faces-internal-divisions/stories/20261010063 SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Walter Usakowski was mowing his lawn in a northern suburb of Detroit when three canvassers from the United Auto Workers approached. Walter Usakowski, from left, a retired worker from the Ford Motor Co.'s Sterling Axe Plant who plans to vote for the union's slate of Democratic candidates in the midterms, talks with United Auto Workers union canvassers LaShawn Barnett, Kim Avouris and JJ Jewell in Shelby Township, Mich., Sept. 26. Walter Usakowski, second left, a retired worker from the Ford Motor Co.'s Sterling Axe Plant who plans to vote for the union's slate of Democratic candidates in the midterms, talks with United Auto Workers union canvassers LaShawn Barnett, from left, Kim Avouris and JJ Jewell in Shelby Township, Mich., Sept. 26. JJ Jewell, from right, Kim Avouris and LaShawn Barnett canvass for the United Auto Workers union in Shelby Township, Mich., Sept. 26. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain addresses the crowd during a campaign rally for Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, July 18, in Detroit. United Auto Workers union canvassers JJ Jewell, from left, LaShawn Barnett and Kim Avouris check canvassing routes on their phones in Shelby Township, Mich., Sept. 26. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/09/vice-president-vance-urges-republican-turnout-lima-rally/stories/20261009085 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/09/vice-president-vance-urges-republican-turnout-lima-rally/stories/20261009085#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:44:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/09/vice-president-vance-urges-republican-turnout-lima-rally/stories/20261009085 LIMA, Ohio — Vice President JD Vance wants Republicans to vote this November to send a message to Democrats. Vice President JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. U.S. Vice President JD Vance greets attendees after speaking at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. Attendees wait for U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrive at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. Vice President JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. A group of Allen County Democrats protest ahead of Vice President Vance's visit to the Allen County Regional Airport on Friday. U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. Jeff Adams, the president of UAW Local 1219, said his members have felt the impact of President Trump's tariffs ahead of Vice President Vance's visit to Lima on Friday. Lima Pastor Lorenzo White encouraged Democrats to get out and vote this November ahead of Vice President Vance's visit to the Allen County Regional Airport on Friday. U.S. Vice President JD Vance greets attendees after speaking at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R., Ohio) arrives to speak at a rally with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R., Ohio) speaks at a rally with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy listens as Vice President JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. Vice President JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. U.S. Vice President JD Vance greets attendees after speaking at a rally at the Allen County Regional Airport on Oct. 9 in Lima, Ohio. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/08/u-s-house-speaker-to-campaign-with-merrin-and-highlight-local-pro-data-center-ma/stories/20261007103 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/08/u-s-house-speaker-to-campaign-with-merrin-and-highlight-local-pro-data-center-ma/stories/20261007103#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:59:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/08/u-s-house-speaker-to-campaign-with-merrin-and-highlight-local-pro-data-center-ma/stories/20261007103 DEFIANCE — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) told Defiance County Republicans that everyone is “counting on you” this November and said he is prepared to invest a lot of money in Ohio’s 9th congressional district to support Republican nominee Derek Merrin. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., right, joins Derek Merrin, Republican nominee for Ohio's 9th Congressional District. Volunteers and supporters listen as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., joins Derek Merrin. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks. Derek Merrin, Republican nominee for Ohio´s 9th Congressional District, speaks. Derek Merrin, Republican nominee for Ohio´s 9th Congressional District, speaks. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., right, joins Derek Merrin. Derek Merrin, Republican nominee for Ohio´s 9th Congressional District, speaks. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/08/dewine-touts-more-300-expedited-pardons-ramps-up-local-program/stories/20261008090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/08/dewine-touts-more-300-expedited-pardons-ramps-up-local-program/stories/20261008090#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:30:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/10/08/dewine-touts-more-300-expedited-pardons-ramps-up-local-program/stories/20261008090 COLUMBUS — More than 300 individuals have been pardoned through the Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project since he created the program in 2019, Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday. Gov. Mike DeWine speaks with former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Stratton, right, and RecoveryOhio Director Erin Reed about his administration's progress on improving the state's behavioral health and criminal justice systems during a meeting of the Stepping Up Initiative Ohio Steering Committee on Oct. 8, 2026.