The office of Attorney General of Ohio was first created by the Ohio General Assembly by statute in 1846. The attorney general's principal duties were to give legal advice to the state government, to represent the state in legal matters, and to advise the state's county prosecutors. Originally, the attorney general was appointed by the legislature.

With the adoption of Ohio's second constitution in 1851, the attorney general became an elected office. The attorney general's duties were drawn very generally.

In 1952, the Ohio General Assembly passed a statute that added to the attorney gneeral's responsibilities, including trusteeship over charitable trusts, and legal advice to more government agencies. The act stated that the attorney general could prosecute individuals only if the governor requested so in writing.

Starting in 1954, the term of office was increased from two years to four years.

List of Attorneys General of Ohio, 1846-1852

When the office of attorney general was first created, it was an appointed office.

List of Attorneys General of Ohio, 1852 to present

Starting in 1852, the office of attorney general became an elected office.

See also: Election Results, Ohio Attorney General