Ohio’s GOP governor sidesteps defending Kristi Noem

Politico

by By Adam Wren

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has avoided explicitly endorsing Vice President JD Vance for the Republican Party’s 2028 presidential nomination, instead stating that Vance is a “favorite son” of Ohio but acknowledging that it remains unclear whether he will secure the party’s support. DeWine also refrained from expressing confidence in Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, particularly in light of reports suggesting ICE could target Springfield, Ohio, for immigration enforcement actions. While DeWine emphasized that state and local law enforcement would work to maintain order if ICE operations were carried out, he stressed the importance of federal agents adhering to professional protocols. DeWine notably defended billionaire Les Wexner, a prominent figure in central Ohio whose ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein have raised eyebrows. He argued that no evidence has emerged linking Wexner to any wrongdoing and expressed skepticism about pursuing further investigation unless new information surfaces. Meanwhile, DeWine avoided directly addressing whether President Trump has been a “force for good” for the GOP or the country, instead praising Trump’s hardline approach to border enforcement, which he claimed has significantly reduced illegal immigration. DeWine’s comments reflect his ongoing cautious stance on high-profile figures within the Republican Party. His reluctance to fully back Noem and Vance highlights divisions within the party over leadership and policy priorities. At the same time, his defense of Wexner underscores his loyalty to influential donors and supporters in Ohio, even amid ethical concerns. DeWine’s focus on border enforcement also aligns with broader Republican talking points, emphasizing security and lawlessness at the southern border as a key issue for the party. This matters because it illustrates the delicate balance DeWine is trying to strike between party loyalty and practical governance. His comments on Trump, Noem, and Vance reveal the tensions within the GOP over its future direction and leadership. Meanwhile, his focus on ICE operations in Ohio highlights the ongoing political stakes of immigration enforcement policies, particularly for communities like Springfield, where immigrant populations are vulnerable to federal actions. DeWine’s approach reflects a pragmatic but cautious strategy aimed at maintaining influence within the party while avoiding entanglement in controversies that could undermine his authority or the state’s relationship with the federal government.

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Originally published on Politico on 2/19/2026