Jon Gruden endorses Sen. Jon Husted at Trump rally in Ohio

Former NFL coach Jon Gruden endorsed Republican Senator Jon Husted on Oct. 3, 2026, during a Donald Trump campaign rally in Vandalia, Ohio.

The endorsement underscores the Trump campaign’s effort to galvanize Republican voters in Ohio ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, pairing a high‑profile sports figure with a Senate candidate whose own football résumé includes a standout career at the University of Dayton.

Gruden opened his remarks by acknowledging his Ohio heritage. “I’m from Ohio,” he said. “My mom and dad are from Cleveland, I was born in Sandusky, and I went to the University of Dayton, and I’m damn proud of it, man.” The coach’s reference to the Dayton Flyers connected him with Husted, who also played for the university.

He then turned to Husted, describing the senator as “a lot more than my friend.” Gruden highlighted Husted’s football achievements, noting that he “intercepted 17 passes on the gridiron” and emphasizing the qualities that made him a great player.

“I know why he was a great player. It was because of his work ethic, his commitment, and his native Dayton mental toughness. He will never quit on you or anybody. Let’s hear it for Husted.”

Trump used the rally to promote legislation backed by Husted, citing the Ratepayer Protection Act that would require data‑center developers to fund the electricity generation and infrastructure needed for their projects. He praised Husted’s effort to block a Democratic push to derail the bill.

Gruden’s speech concluded with a call to action on voting. “Before you know it, this election is over, yes? It’s over,” he told the crowd. “But what we got to do is we got to do our part. Early voting starts Tuesday. Can we be there or not?” He urged attendees to bring friends and family to the polls.

The rally’s focus on manufacturing, data‑center investment and early‑voting outreach reflects the broader Republican strategy to secure a decisive win in Ohio’s Senate race as the midterms approach.