Ohio Faith Leaders Urge Governor DeWine to Protect Voters Ahead of Midterms

A coalition of Ohio faith leaders gathered at Union Grove Baptist Church in Columbus on July 7, 2026, to demand that Governor Mike DeWine take steps to protect voters ahead of the November midterm elections.

The group, which included Christian, Jewish, and Muslim clergy, presented a letter with roughly 400 signatures. They asked the governor to issue public statements confirming that Ohio's elections are safe, to declare that voter intimidation will not be tolerated, and to develop a rapid response plan involving the Secretary of State, local election boards, and law enforcement.

The coalition also opposed a proposed ballot initiative that would require photo identification to be mandated by the Ohio Constitution, arguing that existing state laws are sufficient.

The gathering was prompted in part by an FBI raid on June 12, 2026, on the offices of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, a voter registration group. Federal authorities did not publicly explain the purpose of the raid, and faith leaders said the silence has created fear among their congregants.

Pastor Derrick Holmes, who helped organize the event, said churches have a responsibility to speak up when their communities feel threatened. He said many members of his congregation have asked whether it is safe to vote.

Governor DeWine's office did not immediately respond to the coalition's demands. Secretary of State Frank LaRose posted on social media calling the gathering a "hyperbolic publicity stunt" and "political theater."

The coalition said it plans to continue organizing and will hold candidate forums and voter registration events at member churches in the months leading up to the election.