Buckeye Reporter

Republican gubernatorial challenger Jim Renacci says he supports the proposal for a reduction in the state's gas tax that current Gov. Mike DeWine opposes.

"That final 38 cents per gallon at the pump we pay is all thanks to Mike DeWine," Renacci said. "The least he could do is give Ohio drivers a break and give us some relief from his gas tax, one of the highest in the country. Instead, he's governing like a blue state liberal and protecting his signature tax hike at all costs. I fully support gas tax relief, and as governor I will work with the legislature to get it done."

Ohio Republicans have proposed reducing Ohio's gas taxes over the next five years until they are at 28 cents per gallon for both gasoline and diesel. DeWine opposes this reduction, saying the taxes are needed for Ohio's infrastructure.

"Infrastructure is vitally important to the economic development of the state and the creation of jobs," DeWine told Gongwer News Service.

When DeWine first took office, he increased the gas tax, which currently stands at 38.5 cents per gallon for regular fuel and 47 cents per gallon for diesel.

Renacci, 63, is an accountant and entrepreneur who once owned the Columbus Destroyers Arena Football team. He won the election to U.S. Congress in 2010 as part of the Tea Party movement and later endorsed Donald Trump over then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich in the 2016 presidential primary. 

Incumbent DeWine will face Renacci in the May 3 GOP gubernatorial primary. The winner will appear on ballots for the general election on Nov. 8.