Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced a major leadership change in state government by naming Andy Wilson as the next Ohio attorney general after current Attorney General Dave Yost revealed plans to leave office and enter the private sector next month.
Wilson, who currently serves as director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, will complete the remainder of Yost’s term. Ohio voters will then elect the next attorney general during the November election ahead of the new term beginning in January 2027.
The appointment places Wilson into one of the most powerful law enforcement positions in Ohio after years of involvement in criminal justice, prosecution, statewide public safety operations, and several high-profile investigations.
“I know from experience how important the office of the Ohio Attorney General is,” said Governor DeWine, who previously served as Ohio attorney general from 2011 through 2019. “I have great confidence that Andy Wilson will do a great job as the attorney general for the state of Ohio. I base this on watching him as a former Clark County prosecuting attorney and working with him on a daily basis as the director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.”
Wilson also released a statement shortly after the announcement.
“I am looking forward to serving as Ohio attorney general and to continuing the mission of keeping Ohioans safe,” said Wilson.
Long Career In Prosecution And Public Safety
Before entering state leadership roles, Wilson served in the Ohio National Guard as an armor officer. He later began his legal career in 2002 as a trial prosecutor in Clark County, where he focused heavily on cases involving violence and abuse against children.
In January 2011, Wilson was appointed Clark County prosecutor before later winning election to the position for two additional terms.
During his years as county prosecutor, officials said Wilson handled major criminal prosecutions while also launching several community-focused programs. Those efforts included a victim assistance violent crime rapid response team, a diversion program for prosecutors, and a recording academy program aimed at helping at-risk youth.
Wilson later joined Governor DeWine’s administration in January 2019 as a senior advisor focused on criminal justice policy.
In that position, he played a major role in several statewide initiatives involving violent crime reduction, wellness support for first responders, law enforcement development, and criminal justice reform projects.
Officials said Wilson helped lead the Governor’s Warrant Task Force, contributed to the development of the Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, and worked closely alongside public safety officials on programs including the launch of the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center and the Ohio School Safety Center.
He also represented Governor DeWine on both the Ohio Sentencing Commission and the Ohio Supreme Court Task Force on Conviction Integrity.
Role In Pike County Murder Case Drew Statewide Attention
One of Wilson’s most closely watched assignments came in 2020 when Governor DeWine directed him to assist prosecutors in the highly publicized Pike County murder investigation.
Wilson worked with the Pike County Prosecutor’s Office during the prosecution of four individuals accused of murdering eight members of the Rhoden, Manley, and Gilley families in 2016.
Authorities described the killings as one of the most shocking mass murder cases in Ohio history.
According to the governor’s office, Wilson helped secure guilty pleas from two primary suspects connected to the murders. He also participated in the lengthy trial that ultimately led to the conviction of George Wagner IV.
In December 2022, DeWine appointed Wilson to lead the Ohio Department of Public Safety. In that role, Wilson oversaw 10 divisions, nearly 4,000 employees, and a biannual budget totaling approximately $2.5 billion.
Officials said the department’s mission focused on safety, service, and protection throughout the state.
Wilson earned a political science degree from Wright State University and later obtained his law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law.
He and his wife, Libby, have two daughters.
