The next Ohio senator, who identifies as a "fiscal conservative," intends to "minimize government intervention in people's lives."

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, Ohio's new Senator-designate, aims to lead the country towards greater fiscal responsibility with his experience in state government.

As a fiscal conservative, I always aim to guide America towards a more financially responsible course and minimize government interference in people's lives, as stated in an exclusive first interview with Planet Chronicle Digital following my appointment as Ohio's next senator by Gov. Mike DeWine.

JD Vance's vacated Senate seat will be filled by Husted, who will run in a special election in 2026 to complete the remainder of his term.

The lieutenant governor intends to run for both elections in 2026 and 2028, when Vance's seat is up for re-election.

As a "fiscal conservative," one issue that will challenge Husted upon joining the Senate is President-elect Trump's plan to increase the debt ceiling.

He stated that he would address all the issues after taking the oath.

Husted stated that in state government, it is necessary to maintain a balanced budget.

"To reduce taxes, you must reduce expenses. That's my approach, and it's what I'll bring to the table as a U.S. senator."

He admitted that America's debt and spending issue cannot be resolved with a "magic wand," but stated, "you've got to begin somewhere."

The Trump transition team is currently pushing forward with key nominees for his Cabinet, with many of them having met with senators for months ahead of their confirmation hearings and committee votes.

He stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that he believed the list of nominees was excellent when asked about joining the process at its midpoint.

The senator-designate emphasized that he is taking Vance's seat, is an ally of the Trump administration, and will help support nominees and get them confirmed as quickly as possible.

The first confirmation votes for Trump nominees are anticipated to occur on Monday evening post-inauguration.

The seat that will be targeted by Democrats in the 2026 special election is not yet known, but it is expected to be one of their top priorities after losing former Sen. Sherrod Brown's seat in November.

There have been rumors that Brown may run for Vance's seat, but he has previously denied any interest in doing so when questioned by Planet Chronicle Digital.

The DSCC spokesman, David Bergstein, stated that the start of the 2026 cycle has been marked by new weaknesses in the Senate Republicans' already challenging map. The special election in Ohio has added another seat and another controversial candidate that the GOP will have to protect. This means that Senate Republicans are beginning the cycle with an increased burden of playing defense.