DeWine Skips Ramaswamy, Chooses Jon Husted for Senate
The upcoming senator is an institutionalist Republican, much like the governor of Ohio.
TroibNews 
Gov. Mike DeWine has chosen his Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to be Ohio's next senator, overlooking entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for the role.
Two sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, have confirmed that DeWine intends to appoint Husted. An official announcement from DeWine is anticipated at 1 p.m.
Husted, a Republican who aligns with DeWine’s institutionalist perspective, had intended to run for governor in 2026 to succeed him. His appointment to the Senate is likely to alter the dynamics of the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Ramaswamy learned on Friday morning that he would not be selected for the Senate position, according to a source privy to the discussions who spoke anonymously.
DeWine's decision-making was influenced when Ramaswamy, a billionaire entrepreneur from the Columbus area and co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency, made a last-minute appeal for the Senate vacancy. Although he had claimed interest in running for governor in 2026, he was reportedly “lobbying like hell” for the Senate role, as noted by a source familiar with DeWine's perspective.
"It was bizarre," said this source.
As a former two-term senator, DeWine is a vocal internationalist and has expressed concerns about his party's shift toward isolationism, a stance often echoed by Ramaswamy during his brief presidential campaign.
"He's a serious guy for very serious times," said the source regarding Husted. "And nobody knows the state better."
The Senate seat became available after Vance's resignation at midnight last Friday, following his elevation to the vice presidency.
Husted, a protégé of the more moderate, traditional GOP represented by DeWine, will fill the position until the special election in 2026. Before taking on the role of lieutenant governor, Husted served as the speaker of the Ohio House and as secretary of state.
Meanwhile, Ramaswamy is expected to concentrate on advancing policy initiatives at DOGE while also announcing his gubernatorial candidacy in the coming weeks, according to two sources knowledgeable about his plans.
Jonathan Martin contributed to this report.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
Two sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, have confirmed that DeWine intends to appoint Husted. An official announcement from DeWine is anticipated at 1 p.m.
Husted, a Republican who aligns with DeWine’s institutionalist perspective, had intended to run for governor in 2026 to succeed him. His appointment to the Senate is likely to alter the dynamics of the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Ramaswamy learned on Friday morning that he would not be selected for the Senate position, according to a source privy to the discussions who spoke anonymously.
DeWine's decision-making was influenced when Ramaswamy, a billionaire entrepreneur from the Columbus area and co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency, made a last-minute appeal for the Senate vacancy. Although he had claimed interest in running for governor in 2026, he was reportedly “lobbying like hell” for the Senate role, as noted by a source familiar with DeWine's perspective.
"It was bizarre," said this source.
As a former two-term senator, DeWine is a vocal internationalist and has expressed concerns about his party's shift toward isolationism, a stance often echoed by Ramaswamy during his brief presidential campaign.
"He's a serious guy for very serious times," said the source regarding Husted. "And nobody knows the state better."
The Senate seat became available after Vance's resignation at midnight last Friday, following his elevation to the vice presidency.
Husted, a protégé of the more moderate, traditional GOP represented by DeWine, will fill the position until the special election in 2026. Before taking on the role of lieutenant governor, Husted served as the speaker of the Ohio House and as secretary of state.
Meanwhile, Ramaswamy is expected to concentrate on advancing policy initiatives at DOGE while also announcing his gubernatorial candidacy in the coming weeks, according to two sources knowledgeable about his plans.
Jonathan Martin contributed to this report.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
