Updated May 7, 2026, 7:47 a.m. ET
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is expected to announce May 7 that he is resigning from office, a move that could shake up statewide leadership months before the November election, according to two sources.
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.
If DeWine appoints Keith Faber, who is the Republican nominee for attorney general, it could create a cascade of openings to be filled. Faber is currently state auditor. The governor could opt for a placeholder appointee who has no interest in running for the job.
A spokesman for DeWine declined to comment at this time. Yost and Faber did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
Yost took over as attorney general in 2019 and couldn’t seek reelection in November because of term limits. His plan to run for governor 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 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.
But Yost’s replacement won’t 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 Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@usatodayco.com or @haleybemiller on X.