In a statement posted on X, Tressel, a Republican, said, “I believe that our crucial opportunities in the areas of education and workforce deserve my full attention for the remainder of our term. My goal is to help finish the amazing work started by the DeWine-Husted administration. Ohio is winning and it must continue!”
Tressel, a former football coach at Ohio State University and president of Youngstown State University, was appointed lieutenant governor by Gov. Mike DeWine in February. His appointment led to speculation that he would be DeWine’s successor. Tressel, who is 72, has not previously run for political office.
The decision clears the way for Ramaswamy, a 2024 presidential candidate and businessman from Columbus, to likely secure the GOP nomination. Ramaswamy has already raised $9.7 million and has been endorsed by Donald Trump and the Ohio Republican Party.
Ramaswamy’s spokeswoman, Connie Luck, declined to comment. Governor DeWine released a statement acknowledging Tressel’s policy achievements. “I am so happy that Jim Tressel is serving as Ohio’s Lt. Governor, and I am proud of all he has accomplished for Ohio,” DeWine said.
With Tressel out of the race, Ramaswamy’s only remaining Republican challenger is Philip Funderberg, an insurance agent from suburban Dayton.
On the Democratic side, Amy Acton, the former state health director, is the only major candidate who has announced a run. Former congressman Tim Ryan is expected to announce his decision on whether to join the race by the end of the month.