Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has officially announced his resignation from the U.S. Senate, effective Friday, as he prepares to assume his new role. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will appoint a temporary replacement to fill the seat until the 2026 elections.
In a letter addressed to Governor DeWine on Thursday, Vance expressed gratitude for his time representing Ohio in the Senate. “It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the people of Ohio,” he wrote, emphasizing his commitment to his Appalachian roots. Vance was elected to the Senate in 2022 and served for two years before his vice-presidential election alongside President-elect Donald Trump.
Governor DeWine, who holds sole authority to select Vance’s successor, has yet to announce his decision. DeWine’s office indicated that an announcement is unlikely before Friday due to his participation in a governors’ event at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday night. Speculation has centered on a number of prominent Ohio Republicans, including Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and Treasurer Robert Sprague.
Husted has emerged as a leading contender after accompanying DeWine on a recent trip to meet Trump. Known for his experience as a former Ohio House speaker and two-term secretary of state, Husted is also seen as a potential candidate for governor in 2026. DeWine has offered no public hints about his final decision but noted the announcement would be made “soon.”
The appointee will serve until December 2026, with an election scheduled for November 2026 to determine who will complete the remainder of Vance’s term. Ohio’s political landscape is closely watching the decision, which could shape Republican leadership in the state for years to come.
