Toledo, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced on Friday that he has appointed Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat left by Vice President-elect JD Vance. The appointment comes as the state seeks to fill the position, following Vance’s successful run for vice president in the 2024 election.
In a press conference held at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, DeWine explained that Husted, who has worked closely with him for the past six years, is uniquely qualified to serve in the Senate. “I came to the conclusion that the person who is best suited to be the United States senator is a person who has been close to me for the last six years, a person who, almost daily I work with, and that is Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted,” DeWine stated.
Husted, who has served as DeWine’s lieutenant governor since 2019, has played a significant role in Ohio’s political landscape. He has been involved in a wide range of initiatives, from economic development to state government modernization, and has developed a strong reputation within the state’s Republican Party.
The appointment places Husted in the position to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate, a critical role as the state continues to navigate political challenges on the national stage. Husted’s appointment also opens the door for potential future political aspirations, as he is expected to seek election to the Senate seat in the upcoming 2026 race.
DeWine’s decision to tap Husted comes amid ongoing discussions about Ohio’s political future and the balance of power in Washington, D.C. With Husted now stepping into the Senate role, political observers are keenly watching how his tenure will shape the state’s representation at the federal level.