DeWine names Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill Senate seat vacated by Vance

Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine appointed Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. The decision came after weeks of speculation and visits by Husted to former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Husted, who has served alongside DeWine for years, was chosen based on their close working relationship. In his acceptance, an emotional Husted expressed how proud he was of the opportunity, emphasizing his humble beginnings and the chance to represent Ohio on a national scale.

The appointment of Husted, who was initially seen as a potential candidate for Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial race, solidified his shift from state politics to the Senate. He had met with Trump before the announcement and discussed the opportunity, with Trump offering his support. With Husted accepting the Senate seat, the path is now clear for entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a Trump ally, to run for governor. Ramaswamy had been encouraged by Trump to consider the Senate, but he opted instead to focus on his role with the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative led by Elon Musk. Husted’s appointment is considered a key move in Ohio’s political landscape, with the 2026 gubernatorial race heating up.

Husted faced questions about his gubernatorial ambitions, but he reassured reporters that the opportunity to serve in the U.S. Senate alongside a Republican majority and work with Trump on key policy matters was one he couldn’t pass up. He explained how he had reconsidered his decision many times but ultimately saw the Senate seat as an immediate opportunity to make an impact in Washington. Husted’s willingness to make this shift underscores his determination to play a significant role in the future of Ohio and the country.

The appointment marks a significant change for Ohio’s Senate delegation, which had previously been led by veteran Republicans, including Rob Portman, who retired in 2022. Husted’s appointment is seen as a continuation of the state’s conservative tradition, though his style differs from Vance’s populist rhetoric. Husted is known for his fiscal conservatism and his efforts as state House speaker to pass conservative state budgets. His history of working with both Republicans and Democrats positions him as a capable, pragmatic choice for the Senate.

Husted will serve in the Senate until 2026, when he will face a special election to fill the remaining two years of Vance’s term. He has indicated his intention to run for a full six-year term in 2028, making it clear that he plans to maintain the seat for Ohio. Husted’s confidence stems from his successful track record in Ohio, where he has won four statewide elections. His appointment also brings significant pressure, as DeWine acknowledged the demanding nature of the role and the persistence required for success in Washington.

In recent years, Husted has taken bold political stances, including championing the Social Media Parental Notification Act, which requires parental consent for children under 16 to use certain social media platforms. His focus on protecting children from social media’s negative effects highlights his commitment to conservative values, which he has carried throughout his political career.

Husted’s political journey began nearly two decades ago, starting with his election to the state House, followed by a successful tenure as Ohio Secretary of State. His strong background in both state-level policy and conservative governance made him an ideal candidate for the Senate seat. Husted, who grew up in northwest Ohio, played college football for the University of Dayton, contributing to their national championship win in 1989. He is married to Tina Husted, and they have three children. His story as an adopted child underscores his commitment to Ohio and its people, further solidifying his credentials as a representative of the state on a national stage.

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