Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to Appoint Lt. Gov. Jon Husted as Successor for JD Vance's Senate Seat, Eyeing 2026 Special Election

Jan 11, 2025, 04:25 PM

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is preparing to appoint a successor to fill the Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance, which will be officially open as of midnight Thursday. DeWine is looking for a candidate who can serve a long tenure and is capable of winning the special election in 2026, as well as running for a full six-year term in 2028. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted has emerged as a front-runner for the appointment. DeWine has emphasized the need for a candidate who will focus on legislative work rather than public relations, aiming for innovative leadership in Ohio.