Ohio's Lieutenant Governor, Jim Tressel, is cont Templeman a potential candidate for the governor's position.
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Jim Tressel's Governor Run Speculation Heating Up
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, a GOP big-wig and ex-Ohio State football coach, has put a potential run for governor in 2026 on the table. After previously hinting he wasn't thinking about it but didn't shut the door, Tressel confirmed his altered thoughts in a statement to NBC News.
"Damn, I never realized people would be this eager for me to run. It's been fucking humbling, let me tell you," Tressel shared in his statement, highlighting his enjoyment of his current gig. "But I've gotta give it to Ellen—she's got a point. When I got Lieutenant Governor back in February, she said it seemed like God had more shit for me to do, and she wasn't kidding!"
Tressel referenced his wife, Ellen. "Sure, I haven't made up my mind yet. But mark my words, there will be times for those conversations. For now, I'm gonna stay focused on getting Ohioans off their asses and into our workforce."
This revelation comes ahead of a meeting Friday where the Ohio Republican Party's state central committee will contemplate awarding an early endorsement for the May 2026 primary. Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur backed by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, has been pushing hard for this endorsement against state Attorney General Dave Yost. However, term-limited Governor Mike DeWine has been urging committee members to hold off, citing the possibility of other contenders joining the race. This move is viewed by party insiders as an attempt to keep the state party from committing resources to Ramaswamy before Tressel makes a decision, considering DeWine appointed Tressel as his deputy just three months ago, sparking speculation that he was priming him for higher office.
"DeWine's just tryna buy some time until ol' Tressel makes his move," a Republican leader in the state dished this week.
If Tressel decides to run, he'd likely rake in support from his existing base and potentially challenge Ramaswamy's front-runner status. This could lead to a more competitive and unpredictable primary race. But Tressel's decision remains uncertain, and his impact on the race will depend on whether he ultimately chooses to run.
Tressel, 72, led multiple national championship teams as a college football coach, first with lower-division Youngstown State Penguins before moving on to Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State Buckeyes, where he won the 2002 national championship in his second year as head coach. Controversy and an NCAA investigation involving players selling memorabilia to a tattoo parlor led to Tressel's resignation from Ohio State in 2011.
Public and internal polling indicate Ramaswamy, 39, holds a solid lead over both Yost and Tressel. An outside group supportive of Ramaswamy has already shelled out millions to boost Trump's endorsement in TV ads. JD Vance has even loaned a hand to Ramaswamy's campaign, directing some of his top advisers to help steer the newcomer's campaign.
On the Democratic side, Dr. Amy Acton has thrown her hat in the ring, announcing her campaign for governor. Other Democrats contemplating runs include former Sen. Sherrod Brown and former Rep. Tim Ryan.
Democrats haven't clinched the governorship in Ohio since 2006, and the state has been trending even further right in recent elections, with Trump taking the state comfortably in all three of his presidential campaigns.
- The speculation about Jim Tressel running for governor in 2026 has been confirmed, creating a potentially more competitive primary race in Ohio politics.
- Tressel, a former Ohio State football coach, has hinted at his enjoyment of his current position as Lt. Gov, but has not ruled out a run for the Governor's seat in 2026.
- If Tressel were to enter the race, he'd likely gain support from his existing base and could challenge Vivek Ramaswamy's front-runner status, as public and internal polling favor Ramaswamy over both Tressel and Yost.
