By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Ohio has long been recognized for its significant influence in the political arena. As the birthplace of numerous presidents, second only to Virginia, Ohio has played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of many elections throughout its history.
Following the election of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, yet another opportunity, with a question and a deadline arose. Who would be the one to fill the seat of JD Vance who represented Ohio in the Senate?
That person was none other than Montpelier native and Lt. Governor Jon Husted. Now Senator Jon Husted, after being sworn in as a United States Senator by Vice President JD Vance on January 21st, Husted has had a long history of serving Ohioans. He began his political career back in 2000 when he was elected to serve in the State House of Representatives. He served in that capacity through 2009 before being elected as the Ohio Secretary of State in 2010. He was reelected to that position in 2014 and then ultimately ran for Governor in 2018. During that race, Husted withdrew and ran as Governor DeWine’s Lt. Governor, leading us to where we are today.
Senator Husted continued to serve Ohioans, and Northwest Ohioans during his time in state level politics. He has visited the local area many times and has worked on many initiatives that had had effect throughout the state. He was recently inducted into the Montpelier Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023 and worked to champion the Parental Notification Act and economic development opportunities.
As for his life before politics, Husted began life in a foster home before he was adopted by his two loving parents, Jim and Judy. He was the oldest of three children, all raised in Williams County. After graduating from Montpelier, Husted earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton.
Senator Husted is married to Tina Husted and is the father of three children, Alex, Katie, and Kylie. He is also a grandfather of Margaret, who was born last year to parents Alex and Kathleen. A press release was recently put out regarding the appointment, with Senator Husted stating, “My time here at the Statehouse has been a true joy, but representing Ohio in the U.S. Senate is an amazing opportunity,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “It is something that an adopted kid who grew up on County Road J in Montpelier, Ohio, could have never imagined.”
Now the one appointment is complete, Governor DeWine now has one other appointment to make. That will be to fill the position of Lt. Governor left open by Husted. Governor DeWine has not yet selected a candidate to fill the seat. Once chosen, the individual will have to be confirmed by both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate.
One last question also remains unclear. With Husted in the United States Senate, the race for the next Ohio Governor will have one less candidate. With Governor DeWine being term-limited and unable to run for a third term, the race for governor may be even more competitive. With names being thrown around like Vivek Ramaswamy, current Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, only time will tell.