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At Columbus forum DeWine fields audience questions on endorsement, gambling, abortion, data centers and education
Summary
In a wide‑ranging audience Q&A, Governor DeWine endorsed the Republican nominee Vive Ramaswami, called the gambling bill his biggest mistake, reiterated a pro‑life stance when pressed on abortion policy, and answered student questions on data centers, school funding and college affordability.
At the Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, audience members and students pressed Governor Mike DeWine on campaign endorsements, policy regrets, and local concerns about technology and education.
When asked whether he still supports the Republican nominee Vive Ramaswami, DeWine said he is "a Republican" and that he supports the party nominee, adding that private discussions with the candidate have centered on growing jobs and education. "I'm a Republican. I'm for the Republican nominee," he said.
Asked about his biggest mistake in office, DeWine said he regrets signing a sports‑gambling bill that passed over his veto. He described a surge in marketing by national gambling companies and an increase in problem gambling among young men and said the state is actively responding with regulation and litigation.
An audience member, Landre Baker, sharply questioned DeWine about being "pro‑life for whom?" after the governor signed an abortion ban without rape or incest exceptions. DeWine reiterated that he is pro‑life and noted the 57% referendum vote referenced in the exchange; he said the administration follows state law.
Students pressed DeWine on local impacts of data centers and on school funding equity. DeWine said data centers are important for economic development but acknowledged concerns (water use and market effects) and said Ohio has agreed to White House protocols that data centers should "pay their own way." On school funding, he said the state attempts to direct more funds to poorer districts and has made capital available to let high schools create satellite career‑tech programs funded by a $300 million legislative package.
On artificial intelligence, DeWine said he does not offer a legal opinion about federal preemption but hopes Congress will hold thorough hearings to craft uniform rules where appropriate and noted some issues will remain state responsibilities.
The forum featured multiple student questions and closed with expressions of thanks to sponsors and the museum host.
