COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is expected to appoint Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to the U.S. Senate seat recently vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. The announcement is set to be made during a press conference scheduled for 1 p.m. today at the Ohio Statehouse.
Husted has been considered the frontrunner for the position over the past few weeks, particularly after accompanying DeWine on a visit to President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in December. The meeting heightened speculation about Husted’s selection and solidified his position as a leading contender.
If appointed, Husted will serve in the Senate until a special election in 2026 determines who will complete the final two years of Vance’s term. This appointment also temporarily reduces the Republican majority in the Senate until Husted is sworn in, ensuring Ohio retains its Republican representation in the upper chamber of Congress.
Husted, who has served as Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor since 2019, brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as Secretary of State and Speaker of the Ohio House. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to maintain stability and avoid a contentious Republican primary for the Senate seat.
This development follows Vance’s resignation from the Senate earlier this month as he prepares to assume the office of Vice President. The announcement will mark a significant moment in Ohio’s political landscape, further shaping the state’s representation at the national level.
