Ohio Secretary of State's office or official campaign announcement

Ohio's DeWine Appoints Lt. Gov. Husted to Senate Seat Vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance

Jan 17, 2025, 05:50 PM

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has appointed Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, 57, to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. Announcing the decision on Friday, DeWine praised Husted as a "serious person for serious times" and highlighted his deep experience in state government. Husted will serve until December 15, 2026, when a special election will be held to fill the remainder of the term. "As a senator, I want to return power from the federal government to the states," Husted said upon accepting the appointment. The decision came after speculation that biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who co-chairs the Department of Government Efficiency with Elon Musk, was a contender for the seat, with former President Donald Trump reportedly advocating for his appointment. DeWine ultimately chose his lieutenant governor.