CLEVELAND — The world is mourning after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday at the age of 96. She was Britain's longest-serving monarch, having spent 70 years on the throne.
Her 73-year-old son Prince Charles automatically becomes king, though the coronation might not take place for months. It was not immediately known whether he will call himself King Charles III or some other name.
Married for more than 73 years to Prince Philip, who died in 2021 at age 99, Elizabeth was matriarch to a royal family whose troubles were a subject of global fascination -- amplified by fictionalized accounts such as TV series “The Crown.” She is survived by four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Here is how Ohio's elected leaders and candidates for office are reacting to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II:
Governor Mike DeWine:
"In accordance with the orders issued by the President of the United States of America and in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Governor DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio until sunset on the day of interment."
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH):
U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH):
Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH 14)
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH 4)
Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH 6)
J.D. Vance, candidate for U.S. Senate
State Rep. Emilia Sykes, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives
Former Ohio governor John Kasich
More coverage of Queen Elizabeth II's passing: