Lt. Gov Jim Tressel considers run in Ohio Governor race

Ohio's Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel has expressed interest in making a run in the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election, per NBC News.

Tressel had previously said that a run for governor was not in mind. NBC received a statement from Tressel discussing how feedback on a potential run in the next gubernatorial race has given him a different perspective.

“What has been a surprise, and it has been humbling, is how many people are encouraging me to run for Governor,” said Tressel.

The Lt. Governor is still mulling over the opportunity of becoming Ohio's next governor.

“While I have not ruled out a run for Governor — and there will be a time in the future for those conversations — for now, I will remain focused on helping Ohioans get off the sidelines and into our workforce so they can reach their full potential," said Tressel.

This statement comes before Tressel entered a meeting held by the Ohio Republican Party's central state committee, in which discussion was held on early endorsement of a candidate for the gubernatorial election.

Tressel was the former football coach at both The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University along with YSU's school president.

On February 14, Tressel was sworn in as Ohio Lieutenant Governor after Governor Mike DeWine nominated him for the position.

If he were to run, he would be going against other republicans such as biotech entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, former Morgan County school board president Heather Hill and current Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in the May 2026 primary elections.

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