Yost’s bid comes after Vivek Ramaswamy signaled plans to run for governor next year but has not officially announced it.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost officially announced on Thursday that he is seeking the Republican nomination for the gubernatorial race in 2026.
Since the presidential election in November, there has been speculation that the state attorney general announced his bid to run for governor. Yost released a video on social media in November where he first hinted at running.
He made the official announcement on Thursday. Yost, 68, seeks to succeed two-term Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a fellow Republican, who is term-limited in 2026.
“This is my heart, my home,” Yost said. “I work for the people of Ohio, and I love my bosses. From the time I get up in the morning until I go to bed at night, I’m thinking about them and our future.”
He described himself as “a principled conservative” and advocate for Ohio families, …