Latest news with #JimTressel
The Independent
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Legendary Ohio State coach Jim Tressel considering run for governor to take on Ramaswamy and the Trump machine
Biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy looks set to romp home with the Republican nomination to be the next governor of Ohio, a year out from the party's primary. He has the backing of President Donald Trump, earned the formal support of the state party, and is leading in early polling. Can anyone derail the Ramaswamy train, capture the president's attention, and snatch the nomination? Possibly. Current term-limited Governor Mike DeWine, Politico reports, is not keen on Ramaswamy taking over from him, nor on his old Democratic rival, Sherrod Brown, winning if he were to run. The governor appears to have a plan to advance his preferred candidate, Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel. Appointed to the role in February 2025 after former Lt. Gov. John Husted took over JD Vance 's Senate seat when he became vice president, Tressel potentially has something of an advantage in a statewide race. He is the former Ohio State football coach who guided the Buckeyes to seven Big Ten championships and the 2002 National Championship. Prior to that, he also led Youngstown State University to the playoffs 10 times and won four national championships. Most recently, he returned to YSU from Ohio State as university president from 2014 to 2023. Tressel is an Ohio hero. Speaking to Politico, DeWine acknowledged the 'conventional wisdom' regarding Ramaswamy's current advantage and the state of the race almost a year out from the primary, but believes his lieutenant is unique. 'He told me he thinks he's been to every high school in the state,' the governor said of the former coach. 'He is Ohio; he really understands the diversity of this state.' DeWine added: 'Once you get beyond the introductions, then he's got to obviously sell. I think he will.' Tressel has neither confirmed nor ruled out his potential candidacy. If he does jump into the race, he will have a hill to climb against the Trump machine that took Vance to within a heartbeat of the presidency and that has already aligned behind Ramaswamy. Can a storied history as a state football hero compete with the Trump machine? Or could it even turn the president's head? Trump has given dual endorsements before, though Ramaswamy's polling numbers would indicate that this may be unlikely in this case, given that he had 64 percent support from prospective GOP primary voters in April, compared to Tressel's 14 percent. Nevertheless, Tressel is testing the waters, making appearances at county Republican events, some now renamed as Lincoln-Reagan-Trump dinners, underlining the changing nature of the party in the state and nationwide. While he is attracting uniform respect from attendees, Politico notes that most feel the primary is already decided, with one strategist telling the outlet that 'it would take Vivek making some cataclysmic mistakes now' to alter that perception. Recalling Ramaswamy's boisterous debate performances in the Republican presidential primaries leading up to the 2024 election, that's not out of the question. As for when Tressel has to decide, he told Politico that he didn't know the timing for signing up to run for office: 'I don't even know what you have to do to sign up to run for something.' Prompted that his chief backer, Governor DeWine, would have a good idea, he added: 'Well, and that's why if I thought there was a timing problem right now I would hear about it from him.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ohio's Jim Tressel still considering run for governor; GOP endorsement of Ramaswamy isn't a factor
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel speaking at a news conference. (Photo by Morgan Trau, WEWS.) Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel is still considering a run for governor, saying that the state GOP's endorsement of Vivek Ramaswamy won't affect his decision. The night before the Ohio Republican Party Central Committee was set to endorse a candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial primary, Tressel said that he was interested in a possible run to succeed Gov. Mike DeWine. Because he commented so late, he wasn't considered during the meeting as a candidate. Strategists have been pushing the former OSU coach to jump into the race, but he hasn't given a firm answer on what he plans to do. We asked why he decided to say he was considering a run the night before the Ohio Republican Party endorsement, and whether he thinks that endorsement will impact his decision on whether to enter the race. 'Well, I don't think an endorsement would impact, at least in my opinion, whether I would be interested in getting in the race or not,' he responded. He said that wherever he goes, he has been getting 'so many questions,' so he decided to say something. In a meeting in Columbus on May 9, the Ohio Republican Party voted 60-3 in favor of Cincinnati entrepreneur Ramaswamy over Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. In an email to supporters Friday, Yost suspended his campaign, saying that although he has worked to better Ohio for years, this is 'not a time for a family squabble.' On the Democratic side, the only candidate to announce so far is former Ohio Health Department director Dr. Amy Acton. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost suspends campaign for governor When asked his thoughts about infighting for the primary nomination, Tressel explained that he isn't experienced enough to have an opinion about 'squabbles' or what 'the party needs,' but that he is going around the state and speaking at dinners with 'enthusiasts.' 'They're thinking about this whole election cycle and their excitement and so forth, but I don't really know about whether the family squabble gobble thing,' he said. 'Every voter deserves a chance to decide what they'd like to vote for.' We asked him what his top three priorities would be as governor. After saying we stumped him, he proceeded to explain he wants to focus on the livelihood of Ohioans — similar to DeWine. 'I always hear [DeWine] talk about safety, that he wants every person to feel safe and be safe,' he responded. 'I've heard him talk every day about wanting every Ohioan to reach their God-given potential, and to me, those sound like non-negotiables. You better do darn well at those.' He emphasized that he is an 'education buff' as well. Also, he wants to make sure that veterans are supported. He spoke to reporters following an event honoring fallen soldiers. 'Education is a big deal to me, and tradition, like we had today, and remembering sacrifice, being grateful, to me, might be number one,' he said. We are awaiting a response from Ramaswamy's team for his reaction. Tressel didn't have an answer on when he would, if he does, officially announce. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ohio governor's race in full swing with more than a year before election
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — There is still a year to go until the gubernatorial primary in Ohio and a year and a half before the 2026 general election, but even with all that time, the race for Ohio governor is well underway. Here's a quick rundown of everything that has happened so far: On the Republican side, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy is the frontrunner. Ramaswamy is endorsed by President Donald Trump and the Ohio GOP. Small business owner Heather Hill is also vying for the Republican nomination. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague both were part of the Republican primary but ultimately dropped out at varying points. Former Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is the only Democrat in the race right now. With so many twists and turns in the race already, we are still waiting to see, on both sides, who else will jump in and all eyes are on Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel. Ohioans spent nearly $80 million on cannabis last month, with clear product preferences 'I've never run anything, other than run for my life as a coach, maybe,' Tressel said. Tressel was asked by reporters on Wednesday, in every way possible, whether he will run for governor in 2026. Tressel did not give a clear answer, but instead reflected on his past jobs. He said he was an assistant football coach for more than a decade before thinking, 'Hey, maybe I could be a head coach.' So, by that logic, is his run unlikely? 'I don't know if I would say that,' Tressel said. 'If you would've asked, 'Is it likely?' I probably wouldn't say that, either. I just think we're studying.' Tressel said he is in the 'fact-finding, learning mode' to understand what goes into being Ohio's governor. Tressel said his conversations with Gov. Mike DeWine on the topic have been limited so far. 'The governor's busy,' Tressel said. 'He has always said all along 'There will be a day where we sit down and talk about these kinds of things, but until then, let's get to work.'' Columbus officer confronts school board after being denied access to school DeWine said Tressel is 'very independent' and will make his own decision. 'He's a true leader and he is someone who ultimately makes his own decisions,' DeWine said. 'He has a real, real great focus on the things that are really most important to the state of Ohio.' Tressel, though, said he does not have any clear platform right now. He said he would want to emulate the governor's priorities of safety and ensuring all Ohioans live up to their God-given potential. 'To me, those sound like nonnegotiable; you better do darn well at those,' Tressel said. 'Beyond that, I couldn't tell you any particular things. I am kind of an education buff, so I think that's pretty darn important.' Ramaswamy already has the endorsement of the Ohio Republican Party. 'I don't think an endorsement would impact, at least in my opinion, whether I would be interested in getting in the race or not,' Tressel said. 'It is my opinion that this is much too early to have an endorsement,' DeWine said. 'It's a year out from the primary and this was really an unprecedented time to do that.' Horror museum featuring haunted objects, 'last meal' restaurant coming to Ohio But Republican Central Committee members, who voted to endorse Ramaswamy, like Shannon Burns, said unity among the Republican party is essential. He called the committee's decision to back Ramaswamy 'decisive' and said it is 'disappointing to see our sitting lieutenant governor ignore that unified front.' 'Jim Tressel is a respected Ohio figure with a winning football record, but this race isn't about nostalgia—it's about the future of our movement,' Burns wrote. 'In today's political reality, name recognition means nothing without alignment to principle. President Trump and the Ohio Republican Party have all united behind the Vivek Ramaswamy's grassroots movement. That unity leaves no serious path—financial or political—for any campaign opposing it.' DeWine said endorsements are fine, but they do not decide elections. 'In our system, it's the people who show up to the polls,' DeWine said. 'It's the people who vote. Ultimately, this is going to come down to Republicans who vote in the Republican primary.' On Monday, when DeWine was asked whether he thinks Ramaswamy will make a good governor, he avoided the question. 'I'm not going to go any further in regard to the discussion today,' DeWine said. 'I think I've said what I want to say, and that is that Jim Tressel will make his decision. We have a long way to go, so, it's going to be a long year and a year is an eternity in politics.' On the Democratic side, Acton is the only candidate in the race right now, but others are being floated as candidates. Former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan is looking at a possible candidacy, and some say former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is another contender. Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said she is focused on leading her caucus right now, and getting through the budget, which must pass by July 1. But she did not shut down a possible governor or lieutenant governor candidacy. Ohio congressman introduces bill to study 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' 'I do not think my time in public service is done,' Russo said. 'But I have not made a decision about what it means for 2026. I promise you all will be the first to know if we do.' And as for all that is going on between Republicans right now, spokesperson for the Ohio Democratic Party Katie Seewer said it does not matter who the Republicans nominate. 'Regardless of who Republicans nominate, they can't escape from the fact that their handing over total control of Ohio's government to wealthy special interests has sent us on the wrong path for decades,' Seewer wrote. 'And that's why Democrats will win here in November.' The primary election is in May 2026 and the general election the following November. The new governor will begin their term in January 2027. None of the candidates have named a lieutenant governor yet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lt. Governor Tressel joined by education, business leaders for Compact Conference
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio's Lt. Governor Jim Tressel was joined by more than 100 education and business leaders on Thursday morning for the Central Ohio Compact Conference at Columbus State Community College. 'This group has come together and said, okay, we're uniquely central Ohio. We have different opportunities now, and we're trying to attract different opportunities to come our way. So how can we make sure that we're providing the type of workforce, taking advantage of the opportunities?' said Tressel. The conference aims to increase the amount of students getting degrees and certificates and eventually successful careers. 'What we need is for everyone to increase their excellence. Everyone just get a little bit better, turn out a few more four year degrees. We got to get a few more two year degrees. We need a few more people credentialed,' he said. Johnstown eager, but anxious, over Intel plant impact Tressel has been traveling all over Ohio as part of developing Ohio's Workforce Playbook, aimed at creating a plan to retain talent in Ohio and recruiting more. He met with education and business leaders in areas like Cincinnati, Dayton and Youngstown to learn about specific workforce needs of each region. He said one concern from business is that new employees are coming in with job skills but not personal skills. 'Make sure that our young people coming out of education, coming out of training, have those basic skills of that resiliency when times are a little tough, that work ethic, that punctuality, that willingness to collaborate, listen, learn, curious, creative,' Tressel said. He said the state is at a time where there are many jobs and opportunities open but not enough people are aware of what all it offers. 'These are elementary, middle school and high school kids and to hear them talk about how they never realized what kinds of jobs are out there, what kind of technology, what kind of opportunities,' said Tressel Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
09-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Trump-endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy wins Ohio Republican Party's endorsement in 2026 governor's race
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Trump-endorsed biotech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy won the Ohio Republican Party's gubernatorial endorsement on Friday, overcoming more experienced and potentially more popular rivals to land coveted institutional and monetary support nearly a year before the 2026 primary. Ramaswamy, 39, former co-chair of President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency initiative, benefited from Trump's backing and from an 11th-hour post on X by Donald Trump Jr., who urged members of the 66-member State Central Committee to back him. The party's governing board took the unusual step of holding both the debate and vote for Ramaswamy behind closed doors, as objections swirled from some corners of the party that taking sides in the race was unfair, premature or both. Lara Trump, former co-chair of the Republican National Committee and daughter-in-law to the president, opened Friday's meeting by phone. She stopped short of calling for a Ramaswamy endorsement, but reminded the 66-member committee that the GOP's motto headed into 2026 is, 'Unite, unite, unite!' Friday's march toward the early endorsement came even as Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel broke his silence late Thursday to say that he is also considering a bid for governor. Tressel is a championship-winning former Ohio State Buckeyes head football coach who could present a challenge for Ramaswamy. The filing deadline for the race is Feb. 4, 2026. More immediately, the endorsement was a blow to the two declared gubernatorial candidates — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a fourth-term state officeholder, and Appalachian entrepreneur Heather Hill. Dr. Amy Acton, the former state health director who helped lead Ohio through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, is the only announced Democrat in the race. Ahead of Friday's vote, Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called the near-year until the 2026 primary 'a lifetime' in politics. He is prohibited from running again due to term limits and is believed to have picked Tressel for his potential as a moderate Republican successor. Ramaswamy, an unsuccessful 2024 presidential candidate, staged a spirited campaign launch in February and Trump endorsed Ramaswamy the same day as 'Young, Strong, and Smart!' He has been barnstorming the state ever since. A native of Cincinnati, Ramaswamy had also shown interest in the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance before, but DeWine chose Lt. Gov. Jon Husted as Vance's successor. In a separate vote Friday, the central committee also endorsed Husted as he seeks to retain the seat next year for the remainder of Vance's unexpired term. Rather than attend the party meeting, Yost had chosen to attend the funeral of a retired Hamilton County sheriff's deputy struck and killed last week by the father of a teen who had been fatally shot by police a day earlier. He said in a letter to the Central Committee obtained by The Associated Press that it was a difficult decision. 'My favorite part of a trial was always the closing argument — the distillation of all the evidence, its meaning, and the application of reason and law,' he wrote. 'I relish the battle. But I believe this is the right thing to do (regardless of whether it is politically wise) and have so chosen my course.' Ramaswamy is trying to follow the paths of Vance and Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno — two newcomers to Ohio politics who won Senate seats with the help of Trump's endorsement. Yost, a fourth-term state officeholder who launched his gubernatorial campaign in January, is testing that model. Traditionally, Ohio voters have tended to support candidates with government experience for state-level offices, while favoring business backgrounds in their presidential and Senate picks.
