Ohio Governor DeWine to Announce New Lieutenant Governor on Monday

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine will hold a press conference on Monday at 11 a.m., where he may announce the appointment of a new lieutenant governor. The press release regarding the event did not specify an agenda, leaving observers to speculate about the key appointment that has captured the attention of state officials.

The vacancy in the lieutenant governor’s office arose after DeWine selected Jon Husted to fill the Senate seat vacated by J.D. Vance. This has intensified the urgency to find a successor, making it one of the most pressing matters in Ohio state government.

Despite the lack of official information, political strategists have identified several potential frontrunners for the lieutenant governor position. According to insights from a dozen strategists, the names mentioned most frequently include Jane Timken, the Republican National Committee member for Ohio; former state senator Matt Dolan; former state representative Jay Edwards; Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development; and state senator Michele Reynolds.

Timken, Dolan, and Edwards were previously considered candidates for the Senate appointment and have not publicly commented on the potential lieutenant governor role. In contrast, Mihalik and Reynolds did address their situations.

Mihalik expressed, “I love my job! I am not going to disclose the content of private conversations,” reaffirming her commitment to her current position. Mihalik is known to be a close ally of Governor DeWine.

Meanwhile, Reynolds, a Republican representing the outer suburbs of Columbus, appeared surprised by her inclusion in the discussions. “This is the first that I have heard of any possible conversations about me replacing Lt. Gov. Jon Husted,” she said. “I trust the governor to do right by Ohio and he has my full support with whomever he decides to choose.”