OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, announced Monday he has made picked Jim Tressel for the state's next lieutenant governor.
Tressel is known throughout Ohio for a few reasons. He coached the Ohio State Football from 2001 to 2010, guiding them to a record of 94-21. He also had nine bowl appearances, six 10-win seasons and six Big Ten titles.
He also served as president of Youngstown State University for nearly a decade, from 2014 to 2023.
DeWine said while there were plenty of good candidates, he felt Tressel knew the state and what it needed, as well as the background to carry out his vision for the state.
"I wanted someone who knew the state; I wanted some who’s judgement I felt is very good," DeWine said. "Someone who is used to making decisions. Someone who listens. Someone who weighs the different options and comes to a conclusion."
DeWine said he feels Tressel will be pivotal in decisions related to education, workforce development and the health of Ohioans. DeWine added he drove to see Tressel nine days ago to pop the big question.
“I’ve flunked retirement so far, and I’ve been really, really busy," Tressel said, adding that his schedule added some important stuff but also not so important stuff. "When (DeWine) brought up this thought, well, obviously, I need to talk to Ellen."
Tressel said his wife, Ellen, encouraged him, saying he wasn't done and had more work to do.
"This is a really humbling moment," Tressel said.
Tressel expressed admiration for DeWine's leadership while acknowledging that he would be a newcomer to the political realm.
“I want to study a little bit about what Jon Husted has going on, and so I want to learn the business, if you will,” he said. “And then it’s up to when you sit down with the team and the staff and everyone else trying to figure out who plays what position best. And I’d be more than happy to help wherever I can.”
The governor said the two men have had no discussions about whether Tressel would make a run for the governorship in 2026, when DeWine must retire due to term limits.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is already in that race on the Republican side, with former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy expected to launch a bid soon. On "The Shawn Ryan Show" earlier Monday, the Cincinnati-born biotech entrepreneur said his launch will come in late February.
Former Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is running as a Democrat.
The Ohio Senate and Ohio House, which are both led by Republican supermajorities, must now approve Tressel's nomination.
Leading Ohio business groups commended DeWine on the choice.
“With his wealth of experience in the education field, Jim understands its importance in building Ohio’s workforce of tomorrow," Ohio Chamber President & CEO Steve Stivers said in a statement, saying Tressel would prioritize workforce development "for the benefit of the business community and all Ohioans.”
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