Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) is getting a new title after he and former President Donald Trump surged to victory on Wednesday morning, opening up a seat in the Senate that Republicans took back in the romp.
Republicans were always projected to seize control of the upper chamber back from Democrats, who have been running the Senate for the last four years. The victory for the Trump-Vance ticket had coattails for Senate candidates as the party is guaranteed to control at least 52 seats.
Even if the margins in the chamber were closer, Republicans wouldn’t have to worry about there being a gap in their ranks. There will not be an election to select Vance’s replacement. Instead, Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) will tap his successor, meaning deep-red Ohio is guaranteed to have two senators representing it in Washington.
Vance was elected in November 2022, and his term was set to expire in January 2029. However, Vance will vacate his seat in January 2025 when he is inaugurated as vice president.
DeWine’s pick to replace Vance will serve until a special election is held in 2026. The winner of the special election will serve until early 2029, and in November 2028, an election will be held for a full six-year term.
Prior to Trump’s election victory, DeWine told USA Today that he had met with several contenders.
Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati resident, said he would “strongly consider” the seat. However, he is also considering a run for governor in 2026.
But it is also possible for DeWine to appoint state Sen. Matt Dolan, who lost to Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno in this year’s GOP primary, in which Dolan received DeWine’s endorsement.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Secretary of State Frank LaRose told Signal Cleveland that he would be interested in the appointment.
DeWine said the key factor in his choice is picking someone who would be electable.