Impact on J.D. Vance’s Senate Seat if Trump Wins

If former President Donald Trump secures the presidency and selects J.D. Vance as his vice presidential running mate, Vance’s current Senate seat would be left vacant. Vance, who was elected to a six-year term in the Senate in 2022, would assume the vice presidency on January 20, 2025, if Trump wins the upcoming election. This would trigger a significant shift in Ohio’s political landscape, as the seat Vance currently occupies would be unfilled. According to Ohio law, in the event of a Senate vacancy, the governor is responsible for appointing a replacement who meets the necessary qualifications to serve as a senator. The interim appointee would hold the position until a special election is conducted in December 2026, which would then determine who would serve the remainder of Vance’s term.

The potential departure of Vance from the Senate is unlikely to create immediate political difficulties for the Republican Party, given that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a fellow Republican, would handle the appointment of Vance’s successor. This situation offers a strategic advantage for the GOP, as the interim appointment could maintain party control over the seat until the special election. Among those rumored to be interested in Vance’s seat is Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate and staunch ally of Trump. Ramaswamy has indicated a strong interest in considering the appointment if it were offered by Governor DeWine. Additionally, other potential candidates include State Senator Matt Dolan, former state GOP Chair Jane Timken, former state Treasurer Josh Mandel, and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. Each of these individuals has previously sought Senate positions in Ohio but has not succeeded in their attempts.

The process for filling Vance’s Senate seat would begin with the governor’s appointment of an interim senator to serve until the end of 2026. This interim senator would fulfill the role until a special election is held to determine who will complete the remainder of Vance’s term. This special election, scheduled for 2026, would be crucial in determining the long-term control of the Senate seat. Trump’s announcement of Vance as his vice presidential running mate was made on the first day of the Republican National Convention (RNC). Sources suggest that Trump’s decision was influenced by lobbying efforts from high-profile figures such as Tucker Carlson, Elon Musk, and Silicon Valley investor David Sacks, who advocated for Vance over other potential candidates. Trump, in his announcement on Truth Social, emphasized that he considered Vance the most qualified individual for the vice presidency, reflecting his confidence in Vance’s capabilities and alignment with his administration’s goals.

J.D. Vance, who gained prominence with his 2016 memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” would be stepping into a historically significant role if selected as vice president. The memoir, which details Vance’s experiences growing up in Middleton, Ohio, was adapted into a Netflix film in 2020, further amplifying his public profile. Initially a vocal critic of Trump, Vance underwent a significant political transformation after being elected to the Senate in 2022, becoming a fervent supporter of the former president. His Senate campaign was notably bolstered by substantial financial support from tech billionaire Peter Thiel, who contributed $15 million to his bid. The potential selection of Vance for the vice presidency would be a landmark moment for Ohio, marking the first time an Ohioan has been chosen for the vice presidential role in 80 years. The last Ohioan to run for vice president was former Governor John W. Bricker, who, in 1944, unsuccessfully campaigned alongside Thomas Dewey against President Franklin D. Roosevelt. If Trump wins, Vance’s election to the vice presidency would represent a significant achievement for Ohio, highlighting the state’s influential role in national politics.