Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted Frontrunner to Replace JD Vance in Senate

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted is the leading candidate to replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the U.S. Senate, according to two Republican sources familiar with the deliberations. The decision rests with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who will appoint Vance’s replacement once the first-term senator resigns before his January 20 inauguration alongside President-elect Donald Trump.

Husted, who has long eyed the Ohio governor’s mansion, is reportedly weighing whether to accept the Senate appointment. In 2018, he ran for governor against DeWine before dropping out to become DeWine’s running mate. Sources noted that while Husted prefers state-level politics, the prospect of a Senate seat without a contested primary could be appealing.

DeWine and Husted traveled to Mar-a-Lago last month to meet with Trump, though it remains unclear whether the Senate appointment was discussed. A spokesperson for DeWine did not comment on the trip. Husted’s potential appointment comes after other names, including state Rep. Jay Edwards and former Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken, were floated as possibilities.

If appointed, Husted would serve in the Senate until 2026, when he would need to run in a special election to complete Vance’s term, which ends in 2028. DeWine’s decision could also impact the 2026 gubernatorial race, as Husted was considered a likely candidate to succeed the term-limited DeWine.

Husted, who has championed economic development and played a key role in attracting Intel‘s $28 billion semiconductor plant to Ohio, has been a prominent figure in state politics. He previously served as Ohio’s secretary of state, speaker of the Ohio House, and a state senator from the Dayton area.

DeWine has not announced a timeline for his decision, but sources suggest Husted is the top choice if he accepts the role. The appointment would mark a significant shift in Ohio’s political landscape, with implications for both the Senate and the governor’s race.