Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday that he has appointed Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. Husted will serve alongside Sen. Bernie Moreno, marking a new chapter in Ohio’s representation in the upper chamber.
At a press conference, DeWine described Husted as the ideal choice to succeed Vance, emphasizing his deep understanding of Ohio and its relationship with the federal government.
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“I wanted someone that had a firm grasp and understanding of the complexity of Ohio,” DeWine said. “I also wanted someone that understands the interaction between the federal government and the state government. [The] U.S. Senate rewards hard workers, and Jon Husted is a workhorse.”
Husted, who has served as DeWine’s lieutenant governor since 2019, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. “I look forward to working with JD Vance and President Trump to Make America Great Again,” Husted said during the announcement.
Before becoming lieutenant governor, Husted served as Ohio’s secretary of state and as speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. His extensive experience in both state and federal policy issues made him a strong contender for the Senate appointment.
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Husted will have to run in a special election in November 2026 to complete the remainder of Vance’s term. Should he seek a full term, he will also face reelection in 2028.
Husted joins Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno, who became Ohio’s senior senator after serving less than a week in the Senate following Vance’s resignation on January 9. Moreno, a political newcomer, has quickly become a notable figure in the chamber.
Other names reportedly considered for Vance’s seat included Republican National Committeewoman Jane Timken, Ohio Rep. Mike Carey, Commentator Mehek Cooke, and DOGE co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy.
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Husted’s appointment follows a similar move by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who recently tapped Attorney General Ashley Moody to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State. These appointments underscore the evolving political landscape as the incoming administration takes shape.
Husted’s tenure in the Senate will begin immediately, as Ohio continues to play a central role in national politics with its strong Republican leadership.
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