In a candid appearance at POLITICO’s 2026 Governors Summit, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine carefully navigated politically sensitive waters, refraining from outright endorsements or criticisms of fellow Republicans amid swirling controversies and looming elections.

Governor DeWine was circumspect when asked about endorsing Ohio's own Vice President JD Vance for the Republican party’s 2028 presidential nomination. "He’s a favorite son of ours, and we’ll see how this whole thing plays out," DeWine remarked, signaling a cautious approach to the unfolding political landscape.

The conversation took a tense turn when the topic shifted to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the potential ICE operations targeting Springfield’s significant Haitian immigrant community. Amidst reports of possible ICE actions, DeWine emphasized the importance of professional conduct by federal officers. "We've not been told at all if they're going to come in," DeWine stated, underlining the uncertainty and sensitive nature of the situation. "Frankly, we expect ICE, if they come in, to follow good police protocols."

DeWine sidestepped direct answers when pressed about his confidence in Noem’s handling of DHS's stepped-up interior enforcement, particularly in light of controversies similar to what had unfolded in Minnesota. "Look, I think that what happened in Minnesota was a signal to a lot of people — they didn’t like what they saw," he cautiously noted, avoiding a direct critique of Noem's strategies.

Amidst these politically charged topics, DeWine defended Ohio billionaire Les Wexner, associated with the controversial figure Jeffrey Epstein. DeWine stressed the lack of evidence implicating Wexner in any wrongdoing, underscoring his stance with, “Barring some new information of something that he has done illegal, I don’t see that as a problem.”

The governor also refrained from commenting on whether former President Trump has been a positive force for the GOP or the country, instead choosing to praise his border enforcement policies. "He has done something that has not been done before, and that is he has basically sealed the southern border," DeWine conceded, acknowledging bipartisan satisfaction with the policy's outcomes.

Governor DeWine's responses at the summit reflect a strategic positioning as he navigates a complex political environment, balancing party loyalty with a cautious approach to controversial figures and policies within his party.