Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced on Friday that he has selected Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy left by Vice President-elect JD Vance, who will be inaugurated on Monday. The appointment was made during a press conference, where DeWine expressed confidence in Husted’s qualifications and deep connection to the state.
Husted, who was first elected as Ohio’s lieutenant governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, has a long history of public service. He has previously held roles as Ohio secretary of state, speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, and as an Ohio state senator. Husted is married to his wife, Tina, and the couple has three children: Alex, Katie, and Kylie.
In his announcement, Governor DeWine emphasized the strong working relationship he shares with Husted. “I interviewed a large number of people. We heard from many qualified individuals, but after careful consideration, I concluded that the person best suited to serve in the United States Senate is a person who has been close to me for the last six years,” DeWine said. “Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted is someone I’ve worked with daily, someone who knows Ohio inside and out. He has the skills, the heart, and the dedication needed to represent our state in Washington.”
Husted, visibly honored by the appointment, expressed his gratitude to DeWine. “Governor, I just want to say thank you. It is my honor to accept the appointment to serve the people of Ohio in the U.S. Senate. I deeply appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me, from being your running mate to lieutenant governor, and now to serving in the Senate,” Husted said.
During his time as Ohio’s lieutenant governor, Husted put significant focus on enhancing economic development in Ohio, growing Ohio’s workforce, and increasing government efficiency. Husted oversaw the Ohio Common Sense Initiative (CSI) and served as the director of both the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation and InnovateOhio.
Prior to serving in the DeWine Administration, Husted served as Ohio secretary of state, speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, and a member of the Ohio Senate.
“My time here at the Statehouse has been a true joy, but representing Ohio in the U.S. Senate is an amazing opportunity,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “It is something that an adopted kid who grew up on County Road J in Montpelier, Ohio, could have never imagined.”
Husted started his life in a foster home before being adopted by his loving parents, Jim and Judy. He is the oldest of three children and was raised in Northwest Ohio’s Williams County. He graduated from Montpelier High School and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton.
Husted’s appointment is significant as it will help solidify the Republican Party’s control of the Senate, giving the GOP an official 53-vote majority. Husted is expected to be sworn in shortly, filling the seat left vacant by Vance.
