Jan 17, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Husted appointed to Vance's Ohio Senate seat

Tyler Buchanan

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted speaks at a podium. — Lt. Gov. Jon Husted speaks at the Republican National Convention in 2024. Photo: Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted has been appointed fill the state's U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Vice President-elect JD Vance.

Why it matters: Husted will serve at least two years in office, with the pick giving Ohio a pair of pro-Trump freshman senators.

Sen. Bernie Moreno, elected last November, took office earlier this month.

State of play: The seat was left open by the resignation of Vice President-elect JD Vance.

DeWine said Friday he wanted "a workhorse" in the seat with extensive knowledge of the state.
Husted previously served as Ohio House speaker and secretary of state.

Between the lines: Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur co-leading the new Department of Government Efficiency, recently emerged as a finalist for the appointment.

The Senate appointment now frees up Ramaswamy to run for Ohio governor.

What's next: Husted plans to run for a special election held in 2026 to serve out the remainder of Vance's term.

Another election will be held in 2028 for a full six-year term.

Add Axios on Google

Husted appointed to Vance's Ohio Senate seat

What to read next