COLOMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jim Tressel, the former Ohio State football coach and current Lt. Colonel, announced on Friday that he will not seek the governorship of Ohio in 2026, potentially paving the way for biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to secure the Republican nomination.
Tressel’s entry into the GOP race could have significantly altered the dynamics, as many view Cincinnati-born Ramaswamy as a frontrunner. Endorsed by President Donald Trump and the Ohio Republican Party.
Republican Governor Mike DeWine appointed the 72-year-old Tressel as his lieutenant governor to fill a vacancy that will arise in February. Although Tressel lacks political experience, he brings a wealth of leadership expertise from his successful career as a championship-winning college football coach and higher education administrator.
“I believe that our critical initiatives in education and workforce deserve my full focus for the duration of my time,” Tressel stated.
Two other candidates who previously declared their intentions to run in the Republican primary have shifted their positions. Attorney General Dave Yost suspended his campaign in May, while Appalachian entrepreneur Heather Hill recently announced on social media that she is leaving the Republican Party but intends to continue her gubernatorial campaign as an independent or third-party candidate.
Amy Acton, who led Ohio’s health department during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, has expressed interest in running as a Democrat. Timothy Grady, a master’s student at Ohio State University, plans to run as an independent.
Former Lieutenant Colonel John Husted has consistently been viewed as the leading candidate to become Ohio’s next governor, but he has reserved the chance to complete JD Vance’s term in the U.S. Senate, should Vance be elected vice president. Tressel was selected by DeWine and confirmed by lawmakers, bolstering Husted’s commitment to run for Senate rather than governor next year.
Tim Ryan, a former Democrat who made a strong attempt for the U.S. Senate in 2024, indicated he would not pursue the governorship if Tressel were running. Ryan played football under Tressel in Youngstown and regards him as a mentor.
Source: apnews.com