Here’s how VP-elect JD Vance’s Senate seat will be filled

With Sen. JD Vance on track to become the next vice president, Ohioans are preparing for a shift in leadership in the Senate. According to Ohio law, the state’s governor will appoint an interim replacement for Vance until a special election can be held to fill the remainder of his term.

The law specifies that the appointee will serve until the fifteenth day of December following the next regular state election that occurs more than 180 days after the vacancy. Subsequently, a special election will take place to determine Vance’s permanent successor. If the unexpired term ends within one year after the regular state election, there will not be a separate election for the unexpired term.

Given that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, will be responsible for selecting Vance’s temporary replacement, it is likely that the seat will remain in GOP hands. The special election to fill Vance’s Senate seat is scheduled for November 2026, as reported by Cincinnati.com.

Vance, who assumed office in 2023, is not scheduled to conclude his Senate term until early 2029. In a victory speech, he expressed his commitment to leading a significant economic recovery under the leadership of former President Donald Trump.

Entrepreneur and author Vivek Ramaswamy has indicated his willingness to serve in the Senate if called upon. Ramaswamy, who ran for the GOP presidential nomination in 2023 before withdrawing and endorsing Trump in early 2024, is ready to step into a leadership role if necessary.

The Fox News Decision Desk has forecasted that Republicans will secure control of the Senate following the 2024 elections, setting the stage for a significant shift in Ohio’s political landscape. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

(Author: Alex Nitzberg)