Jon Husted
Summary
Jon Husted, 57, is a long-time Ohio Republican operative. Born in Michigan and adopted, he was raised in Ohio. He earned degrees from the University of Dayton. Husted served in the Ohio House (2001-2009, including as Speaker 2005-2009), Ohio Senate (2009-2011), Ohio Secretary of State (2011-2019), and Lieutenant Governor (2019-2025) before his January 2025 Senate appointment. He is a close ally of Governor Mike DeWine and received President Trump's endorsement for the Senate seat.
Background
Jon Husted was born in the Detroit area in 1967 and placed for adoption immediately. Adopted and raised in Montpelier, Ohio as the oldest of three children with a machine operator father. He graduated from Montpelier High School in 1985 and earned both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Dayton, where he played on the football team alongside future NFL coach Jon Gruden. After college, he worked for Montgomery County Commissioner Don Lucas and as a business development professional before entering elected office. Husted is married to Tina as of 2005 and has three children. Husted served as Speaker of the Ohio House, demonstrating legislative leadership experience before moving to statewide offices.
Sources
- Cook Political Report - Ohio Senate Special 2026
- The Hill - Ohio races becoming competitive
- GovTrack - Sen. Jon Husted voting record
- Senator Husted official website
- Highland County Press - Poll shows Ohio US Senate race tied
- DSCC - Medicaid cuts threaten Ohio hospitals
- Statehouse News Bureau - Ohio's 2026 U.S. Senate race