Husted Files for 2026 Ohio Senate Race With Early Statewide Push

His bid features Trump’s endorsement plus a 112-county campaign network.

Overview

Jon Husted filed his candidacy paperwork Friday with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, formally entering the 2026 contest.
Husted was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to fill the seat vacated when JD Vance became vice president.
His rollout this week included a campaign video, first ad, and a slate of 112 county campaign chairs spanning all 88 counties, with county commissioners, GOP chairs, mayors, sheriffs and state legislators on the team.
He enters the race with support from President Donald Trump, who praised him as a “trusted conservative.”
An Emerson College poll released this week shows Husted leading Sherrod Brown 49% to 46%, down from a 50% to 44% edge in August, signaling a competitive race likely to draw national attention.