Next Ohio senator, a ‘fiscal conservative,’ aims to ‘get government out of people’s lives’

Ohio’s new Senator-designate, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, is gearing up to bring his years of state government experience to the upper chamber and push for a more fiscally responsible path for the country. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Husted expressed his commitment to getting government out of people’s lives and focusing on cutting waste in order to balance the budget.

Appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to fill the vacated Senate seat of Vice President-elect JD Vance, Husted plans to run in a special election in 2026 and again in 2028. As a self-proclaimed fiscal conservative, Husted will face challenges such as President-elect Trump’s desire to raise the debt ceiling. However, he remains steadfast in his belief that cutting spending is essential to cutting taxes and moving America towards a more financially stable future.

Acknowledging that the country’s debt and spending issues cannot be solved overnight, Husted emphasized the importance of taking steps in the right direction. He expressed his support for Trump’s nominees for his Cabinet and pledged to help expedite their confirmation process.

While it remains unclear who will run against Husted in the 2026 special election, the seat is expected to be a top target for Democrats after losing former Sen. Sherrod Brown’s seat in the recent election. Brown has been speculated as a potential candidate for Vance’s seat, but has not confirmed any plans to run.

In response to Husted’s appointment, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) expressed concerns about the GOP having to defend another controversial candidate in the upcoming election. Despite potential challenges, Husted remains focused on his goal of bringing fiscal responsibility to the Senate and working towards a more financially stable future for America.

Julia Johnson, a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, will be leading coverage of the U.S. Senate and keeping readers updated on the latest developments in Husted’s journey as Ohio’s newest Senator. Follow Julia’s reporting on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send any tips or inquiries to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.