Vice President-elect JD Vance will resign from the Senate on Friday as he prepares to be sworn in to his new office later this month, temporarily shrinking Republicans’ majority.
“To the people of Ohio, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of representing you in the United States Senate,” Vance said in a statement. “When I was elected to this office, I promised to never forget where I came from, and I’ve made sure to live by that promise every single day.”
His resignation will temporarily decrease Senate Republicans’ majority to 51 votes. Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine will select someone to fill Vance’s seat. Jim Justice, West Virginia’s incoming senator, has delayed his swearing-in until his successor in the governor’s mansion is inaugurated on Monday. Once both seats are filled, Republicans will have 53 votes.
