DeWine governorship win solidifies GOP hold on Ohio

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine (R) is projected to be elected governor, solidifying GOP control of a state that broke sharply for President Trump in 2016.

DeWine is projected to have defeated Democratic challenger Richard Cordray (D), Ohio’s former attorney general,  in his bid to succeed term-limited Gov. John Kasich (R).

DeWine has served as Ohio attorney general since 2011 after ousting Cordray from the role in 2010. He also served as lieutenant governor of Ohio from 1991 to 1994 and as a U.S. Senator from 1995 to 2007.

DeWine’s victory is boost to Republicans seeking to turn bellwether Ohio into firm GOP territory. Ohio chose President Trump over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by eight points in the 2016 election, and has elected Republican governors in three consecutive elections.

Election forecasters rated the race a toss-up, though Cordray maintained leads of 3-6 percent in October polls.