Ohio Gov. DeWine Announces Replacement For Vance In US Senate
Ohio Republican Senator JD Vance is set to be sworn in as the next Vice President of the United States, creating a vacancy in the U.S. Senate representing Ohio.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) swiftly addressed this by announcing on Friday that his Lieutenant Governor, Jon Husted, will be appointed to fill Vance’s Senate seat.
“There were many individuals I considered very qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate representing Ohio, but I ultimately concluded that the best person for the job is someone I have worked closely with for the last six years,” Governor DeWine said in a press release. “Lt. Governor Jon Husted is knowledgeable, has a deep understanding of the issues, and possesses the right skills. I have no doubt he is the right person to represent Ohio.”
Husted expressed his gratitude and commitment, saying, “I know Ohio well, and I will fight for Ohio as a U.S. senator. I look forward to working with President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the Republican majority to advance the America First agenda, fight inflation, stop illegal immigration, and promote conservative values.”
He further reflected, “My time here at the Statehouse has been a true joy, but representing Ohio in the U.S. Senate is an incredible opportunity—one that an adopted kid from County Road J in Montpelier, Ohio, could never have imagined.”
Despite speculation that former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy could be in the running for the Senate seat, it now appears he will focus on running for Ohio’s governorship. Governor DeWine, who is term-limited after serving two consecutive terms, is expected to face competition for his position. Just the News reported that Ramaswamy is expected to announce his candidacy soon.
“Vivek’s plan remains the same: to achieve success at DOGE and then announce a run for governor shortly,” an Ohio operative, speaking anonymously, told Fox News.
Husted had originally planned to run for governor in 2026 to succeed DeWine, but these plans now seem to be shifting in light of his Senate appointment.
Ramaswamy, 39, a native of Ohio, launched his presidential campaign in February 2023 and quickly became a serious contender within the Republican field. He campaigned on an “America First 2.0” agenda and was one of Donald Trump’s staunchest supporters, never directly criticizing the now-President-elect during his campaign.
Once considered a battleground, Ohio has shifted significantly in favor of Republicans in recent years, with the GOP claiming most statewide offices and dominating the congressional delegation.
Meanwhile, outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be maintaining a strained attitude after her loss to President-elect Donald Trump. CBS News reported Tuesday that Harris has so far refused to extend the customary invitation for Vance and his wife, Usha, to visit the Naval Observatory, the official vice presidential residence. The report cited “multiple Democratic and Republican sources.”
In November, Usha Vance reached out through intermediaries to inquire about childproofing needs at the residence, as their young children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—are all under eight years old. Initially, a political appointee from Harris’s office declined to respond, but further communication was made between the Vance team and Navy aides managing the residence.