Who is Lydia Mihalik? Potential DeWine Lieutenant pick
As Governor MIKE DEWINE mulls on a Senate appointment, and is reportedly considering Lt. Governor JON HUSTED very highly, the question rises as to who would replace him? The rumored choice is DeWine’s pick to run the Department of Development LYDIA MIHALIK, who is been seemingly out of the public eye but has been rumored for Lt. Governor since the Senate vacancy was announced, but who is she?
Currently, she is the Director of the Department of Development, which is (according to the Governor’s website) “a state agency committed to empowering communities to succeed by investing in the people, places, and businesses of Ohio.” She has served in this role since 2019, which was the start of the DeWine-Husted administration. During this time, Intel announced a $28 Million investment in Licking County, Ohio, which was characterized as the largest single private-sector investment in Ohio history.
The DeWine administration has been very proud of their work on Intel, and celebrated the release of federal CHIPS Act funding being released as recently as last month.
Prior to her service at the DoD, she served as Mayor of Findlay, Ohio from 2012 until her appointment in the DeWine administration.
Although generally out of the public eye, she appears to have a record of service and has worked behind-the-scenes on instrumental policy important to the Governor.
There is an event being held Thursday, January 16 (tomorrow, at the time of publication) with the Governor, current Lieutenant, Mrs. Mihalik and J.P. NAUSSEF, President and CEO of JobsOhio. (h/t Jeremy Pelzer of Cleveland.com). Needless to say, the entire political world will be watching this event tomorrow.