US Sen. Jon Husted to Testify in Ex-FirstEnergy Executives' Corruption Trial

Husted expected to corroborate details of meetings, emails, and texts referenced in the high-profile case.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted is scheduled to testify remotely on Wednesday in the corruption trial of two former FirstEnergy Corp. executives, Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling. As a defense witness, Husted is likely to be asked to corroborate details of the many meetings, emails, and texts referenced over the five weeks of the trial where his name has been mentioned. Husted has not been accused of wrongdoing.

Why it matters

The testimony from Husted, who is facing a retention bid this fall to keep his Senate seat, could have significant implications for the high-profile case involving allegations of a $60 million bribery scandal that led to the conviction of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder. Husted's involvement as a witness also raises questions about the extent of political connections and influence in the alleged corruption scheme.

The details

Prosecutors allege that in early 2019, when Husted was Ohio's lieutenant governor-elect, Jones and Dowling bribed Ohio's future top utility regulator, the late Sam Randazzo, in exchange for legislative and regulatory favors. This included championing a $1 billion bailout of two FirstEnergy-associated nuclear plants. Husted, along with then-Gov.-elect Mike DeWine, dined with Jones, Dowling, and a FirstEnergy lobbyist in December 2018, where the executives were advised on how to lobby DeWine in favor of their preferences for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio chairmanship.

  • Husted is scheduled to testify remotely on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Husted was Ohio's lieutenant governor-elect in early 2019, when the alleged bribery scheme took place.

The players

Jon Husted

Republican U.S. Senator who is scheduled to testify as a defense witness in the corruption trial of two former FirstEnergy executives.

Chuck Jones

Former CEO of FirstEnergy Corp. who is on trial for corruption charges.

Michael Dowling

Former lobbyist for FirstEnergy Corp. who is on trial for corruption charges.

Sam Randazzo

Late former Ohio utility regulator who was allegedly bribed by the FirstEnergy executives in exchange for legislative and regulatory favors.

Larry Householder

Former Ohio House Speaker who was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the $60 million bribery scandal.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to get this handled this year, paid in full, no discount. Don't forget about us or Hurricane Chuck may show up on your doorstep! Of course, no guarantee he won't show up sometime anyway.”

— Chuck Jones, Former CEO of FirstEnergy Corp.

“Made me laugh — you guys are welcome anytime and anywhere I can open the door. Let me know how you want me to structure the invoices. Thanks.”

— Sam Randazzo, Late former Ohio utility regulator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow Husted's testimony as a defense witness in the trial of the former FirstEnergy executives.

The takeaway

Husted's involvement as a witness in this high-profile corruption trial raises concerns about the extent of political connections and influence in the alleged $60 million bribery scheme, which has already resulted in the conviction of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder. The outcome of Husted's testimony could have significant implications for the case and his own political future.