Ohio Governor Nears Decision on J.D. Vance's Senate Replacement

Governor Mike DeWine is expected to name a successor to Vice President-elect J.D. Vance in the coming weeks, with Lt. Gov. Jon Husted emerging as a leading contender.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine must appoint a Republican to replace Vice President-elect J.D. Vance in the Senate before the new Congress is sworn in on January 3, 2025.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, a longtime Ohio Republican leader, is considered a frontrunner for the seat and recently visited President-elect Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence with DeWine.
Other candidates reportedly under consideration include Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, attorney Mehek Cooke, former Ohio GOP Chair Jane Timken, and Rep. Mike Carey.
DeWine has emphasized the importance of selecting a 'workhorse' candidate who can win the 2026 special election and the 2028 general election to retain the seat.
The decision is politically significant as DeWine, term-limited as governor, is also weighing potential successors for his office in 2027.