Ohio Gov DeWine picks his Lt Gov to fill Vice President JD Vance’s vacant seat

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will on Friday announce Lt. Gov. Jon Husted as his pick to fill the Senate vacancy left by Vice President JD Vance ahead of his inauguration on Monday, Fox News has learned.

The announcement will be published at approximately

Husted was first elected to be lieutenant governor in 2018 and was up for re-election in 2022. He has previously served in several other capacities, including as Ohio Secretary of State, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, and as Ohio State Senator.

He is married to his wife Tina and has three children; Alex, Katie and Kylie.

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Governor Mike DeWine revealed his pick to replace Vice President-elect JD Vance. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Vance notified the Senate of his impending resignation on January 9, which became official the following day. He officially resigned 10 days before his and President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in.

“To the people of Ohio, I express my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of representing you in the United States Senate. When I was elected to this office, I promised never to forget where I came from, and I have made sure to live by that promise every single day,” Vance said in a statement.

“The American people have given President Trump an undeniable mandate to put America first, both at home and abroad. Over the next four years, I will do everything I can to help President Trump enact his agenda. Together we will make America stronger, safer and more prosperous than ever before.”

After Vance’s resignation, incoming Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, said in his own statement: “Ohio could not be prouder of JD Vance! He has served our country with great honor, first in the Marines, then in the US Senate, and now as our 50th Vice President, I am extremely grateful to JD for his early and unwavering support.A truly amazing journey for an outstanding guy!

Gov. Mike DeWine will announce Lt. Gov. Jon Husted as his pick for the Senate. (Reuters)

Once the new senator is sworn in, Republicans will officially have a majority of 53 votes.

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On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., announced his pick to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in the upper chamber. He chose Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.

Moody cannot be sworn in until Rubio officially steps down, which he is expected to do after his likely confirmation as secretary of state on Monday.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.