Former Youngstown State University President and Ohio State University's former head football coach, Jim Tressel, is Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's choice to serve as Ohio's Lieutenant Governor.

Tressel would fill the remaining term for Jon Husted, who replaced now-Vice President J.D. Vance in the U.S. Senate.

Long-time Valley journalist and podcaster, Bertram de Souza, as well as Mahoning County's Democratic Party Chair, Chris Anderson said the pick is likely because Tressel is well-liked by both sides.

"I think the reason was he is noncontroversial. He is very well known in Ohio, and he is liked in Ohio," de Souza said, "During his tenure as Youngstown State President, in fact, I was one of his harshest critics when the trustees went after him and wanted to appoint him [following Tressel's 2011 OSU resignation], but I have conceded that his tenure was very successful, and he did a good job as president."

While Tressel's never been a politician, his fundraising, higher education experience and networking edge will likely shape his role, De Souza said.

"However, I didn't expect that he would come into a position like this that requires his daily presence in office," de Souza added. 

Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown also said the news was unexpected, but that there's no doubt Tressel's deep Youngstown roots will benefit the city and said it will be "big" for the Valley because Tressel has been an "advocate and an activist for the city of Youngstown."

"I was very surprised, probably didn't see that coming, probably like how anyone else didn't realize that was coming, but great for the Valley," Brown said, "Who better to be in this seat other than him? For the Valley, it makes sure that our voices are going to be heard. I think he understands when there's an ask from the Valley or the need in the Valley, he can be at the table saying, 'I know why they're asking for this.'"

Brown said he's seen success before in how Tressel discusses local issues with lawmakers.  

"I watched it firsthand when we would have a deal on the table, and we were in DC, if someone saw Tressel at the table, he gives that reassurance that something's going to happen," he said.

De Souza said as Lt. Gov., Tressel would likely influence discussions in Columbus surrounding priorities on funding and economic development and believes he will act as a lobbyist in some ways for hard-hit economic areas of the state. 

"I think Jim Tressel will be a positive force for this region because he understands the region," he said, "His wife, family, have deep roots in the region."

Mahoning County Democratic Party Chair, Chris Anderson, said the direct benefits Tressel's appointment are ultimately going to be incumbent upon how the Governor allows Tressel to get involved in decisions. 

"The Lieutenant Governor's office is not notoriously like a policy kind of position," Anderson said, "Usually it just goes to whoever was going to come in second in the primary for their party. It'll just depend on what Mike DeWine lets him do."

"Issues that affect the valley, the Mahoning Valley, will be on the table when there's a discussion about, the budget, or there's a discussion about, training programs, or discussion about the investment of state dollars," de Souza added."

However, de Souza predicted Tressel could face challenges if he's asked about certain measures circulating in the statehouse, especially one bill in particular that's garnered controversy and pertains to higher education. This comes as DeWine mentioned Tressel's focus would be on education when the Governor announced Tressel's nomination.

De Souza points to Ohio Senate Bill 1, which would bring changes to control certain university discussions and ban diversity and inclusion offices.

He points out that Tressel has expressed differing educational ideologies as a university president. 

"The problem is Jim Tressel, when he was at YSU, emphasized diversity, emphasized inclusion. I mean, he built those bridges, which is why he was so well-liked. Not only across campus, but throughout the Valley, throughout the region," he added, "He's going to be questioned on that, and it's going to be interesting how he answers that."

Anderson added that he hopes Tressel will use the position to lobby for the Mahoning Valley. 

"Obviously, we're all in the same boat together. So I wish him nothing but luck," Anderson added, "Hopefully he and his wife continue to have many years of happiness ahead of them."

Valley Republican State Rep. Al Cutrona serving the 33rd district, said the announcement is a "win for Ohio, in such a major way."

Cutrona added that business growth and economic development will help Ohio "flourish" and puts the state in a good position for 2025.

"For the valley? It will absolutely make a difference. Ties to the valley will be magnified, the regional delegation is in a strong position," Cutrona added, "He is familiar, knows us, knows the community and knows what we need, and what better person to lead this area than somebody who lived here and knows the players."

Youngstown's First-Ward Councilman Julius T. Oliver congratulated Tressel and said he would be pleased if Tressel becomes Lieutenant Governor.

"I can only imagine with his knowledge of Youngstown and what we need (given the fact that we all worked very hard to bring over a $20 million investment back to the city) That things can only get better for us," said Oliver.

Local Democratic House Rep. Lauren McNally said she plans to vote "yes." 

The Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber issues the following statements in response to the announcement: 

“We would like to congratulate Jim Tressel on his selection as lieutenant governor of this great state. He is certainly someone who knows and cares for the needs of Ohio and the Mahoning Valley. His background in education and workforce development, as well as his championship pedigree, will suit him well in Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration and its plans to propel the state forward over the next two years.”
  • Guy Coviello, President / CEO, Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber
“Jim Tressel is certainly no stranger to the most pressing and important issues facing the business community in the Mahoning Valley, from population to housing to education and career training in high-tech, in-demand industries. The Regional Chamber’s public policy agenda promotes programs and policies to address and improve those and other types of issues impacting our area. We look forward to sitting down with the next lieutenant governor to discuss and advocate for our policies that lay the foundation for growth among our members and in the Valley.”
  • Lyle Huffman, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs & Community Impact, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber