COLUMBUS – On Friday, Ohio’s Governor Mike DeWine announced the appointment of Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to take over the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance.

This decision comes after weeks of speculation about the successor to Sen. Bernie Moreno, who was sworn in earlier this month after winning against former Sen. Sherrod Brown in the November elections. Husted will hold the Senate position until 2026, at which point he will need to campaign for a full term if he wishes to remain in that office.

“I am confident that Jon is ready to take on the role of United States senator for Ohio,” DeWine stated. “The U.S. Senate values dedication, knowledge, and a results-oriented approach.”

Under Ohio law, the individual elected in November 2026 will complete Vance’s term, which will end in 2028.

DeWine mentioned he had a conversation with President-elect Donald Trump on Friday morning, describing Trump as “gracious” and supportive of Husted’s appointment.

Husted confirmed he spoke with Trump, Vance, and Moreno earlier that day.

Despite being viewed as the leading candidate for the Senate role, Husted deliberated on whether to accept the position or aim for the governorship, which is currently held by DeWine as he faces term limits. By accepting the Senate appointment, Husted bypasses a potentially challenging Republican primary for governor, which might see competitors like former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, Attorney General Dave Yost, and Treasurer Robert Sprague.

Ramaswamy had also recently considered a run for the Senate seat after initially stepping back from the contest two months prior. Trump suggested Ramaswamy head the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Elon Musk but has since encouraged him to accept the Senate position if it were offered.

However, Ramaswamy is likely to stick to his original plan, focusing on his new role in DOGE and planning to announce a gubernatorial campaign in 2026. According to a source familiar with his intentions, he’s expected to kick off his campaign “shortly.”

Who is Jon Husted?

Husted has served as lieutenant governor since 2019. He teamed up with DeWine in the 2018 elections after a brief primary challenge, ultimately defeating Democrat Richard Cordray despite national setbacks for the Republican Party. Before this role, Husted was Ohio’s secretary of state, the speaker of the Ohio House, and a state senator.

Having been adopted as a child, Husted became emotional while expressing his commitment to improving foster care, adoption systems, and safeguarding children from online threats.

While serving as DeWine’s deputy, Husted was a strong advocate for economic growth and played a key role in attracting Intel to establish a $28 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility in central Ohio. He also gained national attention when he delivered the vice-presidential nomination speech for Vance at last year’s Republican National Convention.

DeWine will now need to appoint a new lieutenant governor to serve for the next two years.

This story will be updated.

Haley BeMiller reports on state government and politics for the News Network Ohio Bureau, which includes the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal, and 18 other affiliated news outlets across Ohio.