Gov. DeWine Names Public Safety Director as Interim Attorney General
Governor Mike DeWine taps his longtime public safety director to fill the attorney general role after Dave Yost’s surprise resignation announcement.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Governor Mike DeWine appointed Public Safety Director Andy Wilson as interim attorney general to replace Dave Yost, who announced his resignation effective June 7 to join a conservative Christian nonprofit law firm.
“We are going to lead with energy and passion, and we’re going to serve each other,” Wilson said during a press conference announcing his appointment.
Yost will leave his position to take a job with Alliance Defending Freedom, ending his tenure as Ohio’s top law enforcement official that began in 2019. He previously served as state auditor before winning the attorney general’s office.
Wilson’s Background and Experience
Wilson brings extensive law enforcement experience to the role, having worked closely with DeWine for years on various initiatives. He currently oversees a $2.5 billion biannual budget in his public safety director position.
His background includes service as Clark County prosecutor and as a member of the Ohio National Guard. Wilson has been involved in the state’s violence-reduction initiatives and the expedited pardon project during his tenure with DeWine’s administration.
The governor and Wilson previously conducted what they called an “undercover sting operation” together, sending Wilson’s teenage nephew to purchase low-level marijuana from a convenience store to highlight regulatory concerns.
Transition and Endorsements
Yost praised the selection of his successor in a statement following the announcement. “Governor DeWine’s appointment of Andy Wilson is a wise selection to ensure that the mission of the office and the great progress we’ve made in the past seven-plus years remains in steady hands,” Yost said.
“As a former county prosecuting attorney, Andy understands law enforcement and the Attorney General’s Office. As director of the Department of Public Safety, our offices have frequently collaborated to keep Ohioans safe,” Yost added.
Wilson expressed gratitude for Yost’s service when interviewed about the resignation. “Attorney General Yost has dedicated his entire professional career to keeping people safe … wish him the best in everything that he’s going to do,” Wilson said.
Yost’s political aspirations for higher office ended in 2025 when the state Republican Party endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy for governor instead of backing Yost’s potential gubernatorial campaign.
The appointment ensures continuity in the attorney general’s office as Wilson prepares to take on the role of Ohio’s chief legal officer when Yost’s resignation becomes effective next month.
