Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel announces potential gubernatorial campaign plans for the upcoming election.
Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, a Republican and former Ohio State football coach, announced on Thursday that he is contemplating a run for governor in 2026. Initially, Tressel had indicated he wasn’t interested in a gubernatorial bid but revealed that he has received significant encouragement to pursue the position. In a statement shared with NBC News, Tressel expressed surprise at the level of support he has garnered. He mentioned his fulfillment in his current role, saying, “I have not decided yet, but when I became Lieutenant Governor in February, Ellen told me that it seemed like God had more work for me to do, and she was right.” Tressel emphasized that, despite being open to a future run, he is presently focused on helping Ohioans integrate into the workforce.
His announcement comes just before a meeting of the Ohio Republican Party’s state central committee, where an early endorsement for the May 2026 primary will be discussed. Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotechnology entrepreneur supported by Donald Trump, is seeking the GOP endorsement, competing against state Attorney General Dave Yost. However, outgoing Governor Mike DeWine has urged his party to delay endorsements, suggesting that other candidates, including Tressel, may enter the race, which many insiders see as an attempt to secure potential support for Tressel. Tressel, 72, is recognized for his successful coaching career, having won multiple national championships, including one with the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2002.
In 2011, he resigned from Ohio State amid a scandal involving student-athlete violations. On the Democratic front, Dr. Amy Acton, a former health director, has officially launched her campaign for governor. Other Democrats, such as former Senator Sherrod Brown and former Representative Tim Ryan, are also considering a run. However, Democrats have not held the governorship in Ohio since 2006, with the state trending more conservative in recent elections.