Ohio Senator JD Vance is set to resign from his Senate seat effective Thursday at midnight, in preparation for assuming the vice presidency. Vance, a first-term senator, is required to vacate his seat before being sworn into office alongside President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
Following Vance's resignation, Ohio's Republican governor, Mike DeWine, will have the responsibility of appointing a replacement for the vacant Senate seat. The individual chosen by DeWine will serve in the Senate until 2026 and will be required to participate in a special election to complete the final two years of Vance's term, which concludes in 2028. Subsequently, the appointed senator will need to run for a full six-year term in the 2028 election.
DeWine's decision regarding the Senate seat has the potential to impact another significant election in Ohio - the race to succeed the term-limited governor in 2026. This upcoming gubernatorial race could attract a competitive field of GOP candidates vying for the position.
Reports suggest that Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted is a prominent candidate being considered to replace Vance in the Senate, indicating a potential shift in the state's political landscape.
