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WASHINGTON, DC – Attorney General Dave Yost, the Republican candidate for governor of Ohio, is firmly positioning himself against tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in the upcoming gubernatorial primary. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Yost delineated the core differentiators between his campaign and that of Ramaswamy.
“While we may share agreement on numerous issues,” Yost noted during a visit to Washington where he celebrated the Ohio State Buckeyes’ national championship win at the White House, “the key differentiator lies in my track record of results rather than merely rhetoric.”
Part of his impressive record includes significant accomplishments from his tenure as the state auditor of Ohio, where he identified $260 million in efficiency savings.
Yost further remarked, “I was DOGE before DOGE was considered trendy,” elaborating that most Ohio constituents he encounters oppose rampant fraud and waste spending linked to the DOGE initiative, which has faced fierce criticism from Democrats.
Focus on Public Safety and Integrity
As the state’s attorney general since 2019, Yost has maintained an unwavering focus on crime and public corruption, making this aspect a cornerstone of his campaign. He points to his experience as a significant advantage over Ramaswamy.
“We have been fighting for the Constitution and the rights of Ohioans, actively tackling public corruption,” Yost declared. “Over 170 individuals have been incarcerated as a result of my efforts and those of my dedicated team. We have proven ourselves in the trenches; we do not require on-the-job training. This record of tangible results resonates with Ohio voters.”
Polling Landscape and Candidate Stance
Current polling indicates that Ramaswamy, who has garnered endorsements from prominent figures including President Trump and Elon Musk, holds a substantial lead in the race. Nevertheless, Yost expresses a confident outlook.
“Certainly, there is a long road ahead, but my affection for Ohio propels me forward,” Yost stated. “I have been actively engaging with the public, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Voters are craving fresh America First leadership in Ohio, and I am thrilled about the direction we are charting.”
A Stand on the Death Penalty
Yost highlighted a crucial issue where he believes he has articulated his position more clearly than Ramaswamy: the death penalty.
“I am uncertain about my opponent’s stance, as he has yet to address it. However, I can assure you that I am a proponent of the death penalty,” Yost affirmed.
He also insisted on the necessity of implementing “safeguards,” stressing the importance of recognizing that there are “no do-overs” in such cases. He offered an example of a prisoner serving life without parole who commits further violence while incarcerated.
Addressing Justice System Concerns
“What options remain for families who endure the loss of a loved one at the hands of a prisoner? Shall we simply hand out another life sentence for murder? In such scenarios, the implementation of the death penalty is indispensable. The ongoing debate should revolve around the appropriate moments for its use.”
Yost highlighted systemic concerns about the death penalty in Ohio, noting that executions have not taken place since 2018 and that many on death row have been waiting for justice for over 22 years. He pointed out that this situation equates to “overdue process, not due process.” He asserted that Ohio must either commit to upholding the death penalty or officially abolish it.
Taxpayer Funding and Stadium Projects
The Republican candidate also shared his apprehensions regarding initiatives by professional sports teams aiming to secure taxpayer funding for new stadiums.
“I question whether taxpayers should be financially responsible for these vast public stadium projects,” Yost remarked. “The taxes and bonds will fall on individuals who often cannot afford to attend professional games. This inequity is troubling. Moreover, we lack a limiting principle in this area.”
He elaborated that Ohio already hosts several professional sports teams, and the ongoing requests for significant funding could total in the billions. Yost pointed out, “We could allocate those funds towards a range of essential services, such as building roads, enhancing bridges, fostering economic development, improving schools, or facilitating tax reductions. Instead, we find ourselves amidst a potentially irrational spending spree.”
Listening to Ohio Voters
When asked about the predominant concerns he hears while engaging with voters across the state, Yost emphasized the economy and pressing kitchen table issues. He also noted that contrary to some narratives, Trump’s tariff policies, which have garnered criticism from Democrats, may hold more favor among Ohioans than the media suggests.
“As the global economy undergoes significant transformations, many local businesses convey optimism regarding this phase. They believe that fair trade practices will stimulate a resurgence in Ohio’s industries, albeit with some associated challenges,” Yost explained. “This perspective starkly contrasts with the doom-and-gloom scenarios portrayed by the elite press.”
Charting a Bright Future
Ultimately, Yost conveyed to Fox News Digital that his proven record of results underscores his distinction as the candidate equipped with the requisite experience, vision, and competence to lead Ohio towards a promising future.
