Jon Husted

Jon Husted has served as the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio since 2019. He previously served as Ohio Secretary of State from 2011 to 2019 and in the Ohio General Assembly. He is the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate special election in Ohio in 2026.

Party: Republican
Office sought: U.S. Senate
State: OH
Current office: Lieutenant Governor of Ohio

Incumbency status: challenger

Education: B.A., University of Dayton.

Residence: Ohio

Biography

Jon Husted was born on August 25, 1967, in Royal Oak, Michigan. He earned his B.A. from the University of Dayton. He served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009, including as Speaker. He served as Ohio Secretary of State from 2011 to 2019, and as Lieutenant Governor under Gov. Mike DeWine from 2019 to 2025. Gov. DeWine appointed him to the U.S. Senate in January 2025.

Professional background

Business executive; political operative.

Public service

Ohio House of Representatives (2001–2009); Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives (2009–2011); Ohio Secretary of State (2011–2019); Lieutenant Governor of Ohio (2019–present).

Military service

None

In this race

Sherrod Brown (Democrat)

Ratings & scores

Heritage Action for America: 76% (2026)