COLUMBUS, Ohio – Unless the dynamics of the race change dramatically, new campaign numbers on Friday suggest that Gov. Mike DeWine, despite passionate opposition from a segment within his own party, is on a comfortable path to secure the Republican nomination next year and given the state’s larger political trends, perhaps even re-election.
DeWine reported raising more than $3 million in the most recent period -- the most on record for the most recent reporting period, which covers the first half of 2021 -- contributing to the $6.5 million in his campaign bank account. While that’s a major part of this story, it’s not surprising that DeWine would show strong fundraising numbers. He has a deep network of donors, the benefits of incumbency plus a 40-plus-year political career. He’s also independently wealthy, thanks to family business interests, so would be able and willing to self-fund his campaign if needed.