Ohio Prepares For Special Election To Fill Senate Seat Vacancy

Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks at a campaign event, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

With Sen. JD Vance set to assume the role of vice president next year, Ohioans will soon see a shift in their Senate representation. As per Ohio law, the process to fill Vance's Senate seat will involve an initial appointment by Ohio's governor followed by a special election.

According to Ohio law, the appointee selected by the governor will serve until the fifteenth day of December following the next regular state election occurring more than one hundred eighty days after the vacancy arises. Subsequently, a special election will be conducted to determine the individual who will serve the remainder of Vance's Senate term.

Ohio law mandates initial appointment by governor and special election process.

Sen. JD Vance to become vice president, leading to Senate seat change in Ohio.

Appointee serves until December following next state election after vacancy.

Given that the current Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, is a Republican, it is expected that the temporary replacement chosen by him will maintain the GOP's hold on the Senate seat until the special election in November 2026.

Ohio law specifies that the special election will take place in November 2026, ensuring that the citizens of Ohio will have the opportunity to elect a candidate to serve the remainder of Vance's term in the Senate.