Incoming Ohio Senator Jon Husted, formerly Lieutenant Governor, intends to prioritize fiscal conservatism in his new role. In an exclusive interview following his appointment by Governor Mike DeWine, Husted expressed his commitment to reducing government spending and promoting fiscal responsibility at the federal level. He aims to apply his experience in state government, where balanced budgets are mandatory, to his work in the Senate. Husted will assume the seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance and will run in a special election in 2026 to complete the term, with plans to seek re-election in 2028. One immediate challenge will be navigating President-elect Trump's proposed debt ceiling increase. While Husted acknowledged the complexity of the national debt, he emphasized the need to start addressing the issue. Husted expressed support for Trump's cabinet nominees and his intention to expedite their confirmations. His appointment is viewed as a potential vulnerability for Republicans in 2026 by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, setting the stage for a competitive race.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was appointed to be the next Ohio senator. (Getty Images)

Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, walks into the Senate chamber on Capitol Hill. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine tapped Husted as his pick for Senate. (Reuters)

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, walks through the U.S. Capitol. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)