Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost will resign from office to join a Christian legal group, a move that could shake up statewide leadership months before the November election.
Yost is joining Alliance Defending Freedom as its vice president for strategic research and innovation, according to a May 7 news release from the organization. The surprise announcement means Gov. Mike DeWine must appoint someone to serve as Ohio’s top law enforcement official for the rest of the year.
“I’ve been passionate about religious liberty, free speech, parental rights and human dignity for a long time, and to now bring my legal and advocacy skills to bear alongside the best constitutional lawyers in the world is an extraordinary opportunity,” Yost said in the release.
The Alliance Defending Freedom has fought against transgender rights and advocated for private school vouchers and wedding industry businesses that deny same-sex couples services. The group was instrumental in overturning the landmark abortion decision Roe v. Wade.
Yost will step down effective June 7, according to the governor’s office.
“Having served as Ohio attorney general, I know how important this office is and the great work done by its employees,” DeWine said in a statement. “I will give the appointment of someone to serve as attorney general thoughtful and deliberate consideration.”
If DeWine appoints Keith Faber, the Republican nominee for attorney general, it could create a cascade of openings to be filled. Faber is currently state auditor. The governor could instead opt for a placeholder appointee who has no interest in running for the job.
“This is the governor’s decision and I look forward to having a conversation with him about the best path forward after [Yost] makes his announcement,” Faber said in a statement.
Yost took over as attorney general in 2019. His plan to run for governor this year was cut short after Ohio Republicans and President Donald Trump coalesced around entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, effectively ending the GOP primary.
Since then, Yost’s future had been an open question. He is the only sitting statewide Republican − aside from DeWine − who isn’t running for another office.
As attorney general, Yost has advocated for Ohio’s death penalty and brought state charges against former executives and public officials in the House Bill 6 bribery scandal. He defended the state in lawsuits over abortion restrictions and a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. He also went after two former board members of the teachers’ pension system for violating their fiduciary duties.
Before becoming attorney general, Yost served as state auditor and Delaware County prosecutor.
Yost’s departure creates the third vacancy for statewide office in two years. DeWine appointed then-Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to serve as U.S. senator after JD Vance became vice president. He tapped former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel to replace Husted.
Depending who DeWine picks, Yost’s replacement may not be around for long. Faber and Columbus attorney John Kulewicz are running in the November election for attorney general. The winner will assume office in January.
The last elected Ohio attorney general to step down early was Democrat Marc Dann, who resigned in May 2008 after less than two years on the job.
State government reporter Jessie Balmert contributed to this report.
State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@usatodayco.com or @haleybemiller on X.
State government reporter Laura Bischoff can be reached at lbischoff@usatodayco.com and @lbischoff on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost resigns to join Christian legal group
Reporting by Haley BeMiller and Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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