Husted tabbed to replace Vance

VW independent staff/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine didn’t have to go far to find his pick for Ohio’s next United States senator.

Lt. Governor Jon Husted will replace JD Vance, who resigned from the Senate last week and will take office as the 50th vice president of the United States on Monday. DeWine announced his selection on Friday.

“There were many people who I considered very qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate to represent the State of Ohio, but I came to the conclusion that the best person to serve is a person who has been close to me for the last six years – a person who I work with almost daily –  and that is Lt. Governor Jon Husted,” DeWine said. “I have worked with him, I know he is knowledgeable, I know his heart, I know what he cares about, and I know his skills. All of that tells me he is the right person for the job.”

“I know Ohio well, and I will fight for Ohio as a U.S. senator,” Husted said. “I look forward to working with President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the Republican majority who have an America First agenda to fight inflation, stop illegal immigration, and advance conservative values.”

Prior to serving in the DeWine Administration, Husted served as Ohio secretary of state, speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, and a member of the Ohio Senate.

“My time here at the Statehouse has been a true joy, but representing Ohio in the U.S. Senate is an amazing opportunity,” Husted said. “It is something that an adopted kid who grew up on County Road J in Montpelier, Ohio, could have never imagined.”

Husted started his life in a foster home before being adopted by his parents, Jim and Judy. He is the oldest of three children and was raised in Williams County. He graduated from Montpelier High School and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton.

Husted is married to Tina Husted and is the father of three children, Alex, Katie, and Kylie. His first grandchild, Margaret, was born last year to parents Alex and Kathleen.

Governor DeWine has not yet selected a candidate to fill the lieutenant governor position. Once selected, the individual must be confirmed by both the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives.