Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is currently considering several Republican candidates to potentially fill the upcoming vacancy in the US Senate left by Vice President-elect JD Vance. According to GOP officials, Governor DeWine is taking his time with the decision and is not expected to announce the appointment until after January.
While Vance has not yet determined the exact date of his resignation, sources suggest it will likely be closer to the January 20 inauguration. However, if Vance decides to step down earlier, Governor DeWine may adjust his timeline accordingly.
Several Ohio members of Congress have shown interest in the Senate position, but the narrow Republican majority could pose challenges in elevating a House member to the Senate. Rep. Mike Carey, a former coal lobbyist who recently secured a second term in the House, is reportedly leading the list of potential candidates.
Other notable Republicans vying for the Senate seat include Jane Timken, a former state party chairwoman who lost to Vance in the 2022 Senate primary, Robert Sprague, the Ohio treasurer, and Frank LaRose, the Ohio Secretary of State. It is also possible that additional names are being considered for the position.
Reports indicate that some contenders are actively seeking support from former President Donald Trump and JD Vance. State Senator Matt Dolan, who previously competed against Vance in the 2022 and 2024 Senate primaries, has also expressed interest in the Senate seat. However, his past criticism of President-elect Trump may impact his chances, unless Governor DeWine chooses to make the decision independently rather than relying on input from Vance and other prominent Trump supporters in Ohio.
