Jim Tressel, the former Ohio State football coach, has officially been sworn in as Ohio’s new lieutenant governor. This comes two days after being named by Gov. Mike DeWine as his choice for the role.
Tressel was confirmed by the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate on Wednesday. The House voted 68-27 in favor, while the Senate confirmed him with a 31-1 vote. State Sen. Beth Liston, a Democrat, was the sole opposing vote.
“I’m going to become very informed,” Tressel said. “And what I hope I can do as I’ve done in all the positions I’ve had is be a good listener, become aware of what people are thinking and why they’re thinking it, be compassionate about how it affects them and how they’re viewing it.”
The 72-year-old Mentor, Ohio native replaces former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, whom DeWine appointed as the new U.S. Senator following JD Vance’s resignation to become Vice President.
Tressel will serve as lieutenant governor through the end of Husted’s term in January 2027. DeWine is ineligible for a third term, and Tressel has not announced whether he will run for governor in 2026.
Tressel aims to focus on education in the state. “We’ve got to make sure that we raise up the greatest thinkers and innovators and researchers in the world so that we can equip those great opportunities and continue this momentum we have for Ohio being a destination,” he said.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is expected to seek the Republican nomination for governor, likely facing competition from businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. On the Democratic side, former health director Amy Acton has announced her candidacy.
Tressel’s selection surprised many Ohioans during Monday’s news conference, as Lydia Mihalik, director of the state department of development, was widely favored for the position.
Though Tressel has not held public office before, he has extensive leadership experience in football and college administration. He led Youngstown State to four national championships and Ohio State to the 2002 national title during his tenure as head coach. He resigned in 2011 following an NCAA investigation into players trading memorabilia for services. He later served as Youngstown State University president from 2014 to 2023.