FIRST ON FOX: Ohio’s new Senator-designate, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, is focused on steering the country towards a more financially responsible path. Drawing on his extensive experience in state government, Husted aims to bring his expertise to the upper chamber.
In an exclusive first interview with Fox News Digital after being appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, to succeed Vice President-elect JD Vance, Husted emphasized his commitment to fiscal conservatism. He expressed his desire to lead America towards financial responsibility and reduce government intervention in people’s lives.
Husted is set to assume Vance’s Senate seat and participate in a special election in 2026 to determine the remainder of the term.
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Husted was appointed to be the next Ohio senator on Friday. (Getty Images)
The lieutenant governor plans to run in both the 2026 special election and the subsequent re-election in 2028. As a fiscal conservative, Husted anticipates challenges in the Senate, particularly regarding President-elect Trump’s proposal to increase the debt ceiling.
“In state government, we are required to balance our budget,” Husted explained.
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U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) walks into the Senate chamber on Capitol Hill on April 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
“If you want to cut taxes, you have to cut spending. That’s the approach I’m accustomed to and what I will bring to my role as a U.S. senator,” Husted stated, highlighting the need to address America’s debt and spending issues.
With Husted’s appointment coinciding with the Trump administration’s transition, he expressed his support for the Cabinet nominees’ confirmation process.
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Gov. Mike DeWine announced Husted as his pick for Senate. (Reuters)
Emphasizing his commitment to supporting the Trump administration’s nominees, Husted pledged to help expedite their confirmation process following his appointment to the Senate.
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Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, walks through the U.S. Capitol in July. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
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Brown has been mentioned as a possible contender for Vance’s seat, though he has not confirmed any plans to run. Following Husted’s appointment, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) expressed concern over Senate Republicans’ challenging map and the need to defend additional seats.
