Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is expected to officially announce the appointment of a replacement to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. According to local reports, DeWine will make the announcement during a press conference scheduled for 1 p.m. EST on Friday to appoint Lt. Gov. Jon Husted
Husted’s appointment would solidify Republican control in the Senate, giving the GOP a crucial 53rd vote just days before President-elect Trump is sworn into office. This move comes at a pivotal time as Senate Republicans prepare to push through significant legislation and confirm key members of Trump’s incoming administration.
Vance, who was elected to the Senate in 2022, was tapped by Trump earlier this year to serve as his vice president, leaving his Senate seat open. DeWine’s decision to select Husted—a trusted ally and his second-in-command—reflects a strategic choice to maintain party unity and secure legislative momentum for the GOP. Although speculation had swirled around high-profile contenders like former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, sources close to the governor indicated that DeWine believes Husted is the steady hand Ohio needs in the Senate. DeWine met with Ramaswamy to discuss the vacancy but ultimately opted for Husted, signaling a preference for experience over the more aggressive, populist style that has gained traction in Ohio politics.
Husted was widely expected to run for governor in 2026, but many questioned whether he could win in a Republican primary increasingly dominated by conservative firebrands like Vance and Ramaswamy. Now, as Ohio’s next U.S. Senator, Husted will bypass the need for a bruising primary and head straight to Washington.
His appointment could have immediate legislative consequences. With a stronger GOP majority, Republicans are positioned to advance high-priority bills like the Laken Riley Act, which strengthens immigration enforcement against illegal immigrants convicted of nonviolent crimes.
Additionally, Husted’s vote will be critical in confirming Trump’s cabinet picks, including controversial nominees like Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and Kash Patel for National Security Advisor. These nominations are expected to face tight votes, and Husted’s support could be the difference in pushing Trump’s America First agenda forward.
While J.D. Vance will no longer be casting votes in the Senate, his role as vice president means he will preside over the chamber and hold the power to break any 50-50 ties. With Husted in place, however, the GOP’s slim majority becomes more secure, reducing the likelihood of needing Vance’s tie-breaking vote.
DeWine’s move to appoint Husted strengthens Ohio’s influence in the Senate and sets the stage for Republicans to aggressively pursue their legislative goals.
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