Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday that Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted will fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance for at least the next two years.
“I came to the conclusion that the person best suited to be the United States senator is a person who has been close to me for the last six years — a person I work with almost daily,” DeWine said. “And that is Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted.”
Accepting the nomination, Husted reflected on Ohio’s transformation: “For decades, Ohioans endured the harsh effects of globalization, automation, and complacency, leading to high unemployment and a reputation as one of the worst states for business.
But today, Ohio stands as one of the best states to do business, with more jobs than at any point in our history.”
DeWine, 78, emphasized the seriousness of his choice: “Serious times demand serious people,” he said, noting that the decision came after interviewing a large number of candidates.
“I will miss this very good man,” he added, “but Ohio gains a strong advocate in Washington, DC.”
Speculation had previously surrounded Vivek Ramaswamy, co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as a possible contender for the seat.
President-elect Donald Trump had reportedly considered Ramaswamy, though sources indicated that Ramaswamy’s long-term goal remains a gubernatorial run.
DeWine explained his reasoning: “My pick needed deep state roots and an understanding of federal-state government interaction — and, most importantly, a workhorse. Economic development is in Jon’s DNA.
He’s been pivotal in attracting businesses, focusing on energy, broadband, and government efficiency.”
Husted, with a long history in Ohio politics, previously served eight years in the state House, including as speaker, and two years in the state Senate.
He joined then-Governor John Kasich’s administration as secretary of state in 2011. He and DeWine were first elected in 2018 and re-elected four years later.
“When I became a legislator, Ohio was a high-tax state with a struggling economy,” Husted recalled. “Factories were closing, and even my own family left Ohio to find work.
My mission has always been clear: to ensure Ohioans have good jobs, quality job training, and the American dream.”
Husted grew emotional discussing his work protecting children from big tech and online predators.
As an adoptee himself, he has been committed to foster care initiatives.
Meanwhile, Ramaswamy, 39, born near Cincinnati but now a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, reiterated his focus on DOGE rather than Senate ambitions.
At 57, Husted will serve as Ohio’s junior senator until a special election in 2026, with another election in 2028 for a full term.
DeWine, a former senator who served alongside President Biden, 82, offered well wishes to Trump, despite past political tensions:
“I really look forward to working with President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the Republican majority.”
Husted concluded by pledging to advance an America First agenda: “I will fight inflation, stop illegal immigration, and promote conservative values — because that’s what Ohio needs.”
