One of the leading candidates to fill Vice President-elect J.D. Vance’s Ohio Senate seat recently visited President-elect Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence as the governor’s decision approaches.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited Trump’s Florida home in recent days with Republican Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, who is seen as the frontrunner to replace Vance, but details of the conversation are unclear, but News 5 Cleveland first reported. confirmed Fox News Digital.
Under state law, Mr. DeWine will select a Republican to replace Vance in the Senate until a special election is held in November 2026 to decide who will serve out the remainder of Vance’s term, which runs through 2028. . The winner of the special election could then run. He will begin his term again in 2028 for a new six-year term.
Sources told Fox News Digital that final decisions on Senate appointments are expected in the coming weeks, as the new Congress will be sworn in on January 3.
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine plans to name successor to Senate Vice President-elect J.D. Vance (Getty Images)
DeWine’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
The governor’s press secretary, Dan Tierney, told Fox News Digital last month that DeWine is looking for a “key player” who is “qualified and ready to earn the trust of Ohio voters for another term.” he said.
While Vance is likely the frontrunner in 2028, the RNC chairman is “excited about the bench we have.”
Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted speaks at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 15, 2024 (Getty Images)
Fox News Digital previously reported that DeWine, along with Husted, will be joined by attorney Mehek Cook, Ohio Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose, former Ohio Republican Party Chairwoman Jane Timken, and several U.S. senators, including Rep. Mike Carey. It is reported that candidates are being considered.
“Governor DeWine has an important decision coming up in selecting Ohio’s next senator,” Cook told Fox News Digital on Friday night. “If John chooses him as his main player, he’s the right choice.”
“He is a veteran with decades of experience fighting for the people of Ohio and ensuring a stronger future for our state. If John is elected, I will support him 100%. There’s too much at stake, and we need someone to change Ohio.” First, it was an honor to interview the governor, and he knows my commitment to always putting Ohio’s interests first. . ”
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The support of Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance will be critical to Mr. DeWine’s appointment given their popularity in the Buckeye State, where they won the ticket by 11 points in November.
Husted has been Ohio’s lieutenant governor since 2019, after serving as Secretary of State for eight years and previously serving in the state Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives.
Mr. Husted is widely expected to run for governor to replace Mr. DeWine, and his team has recently taken steps to allocate resources to that race. Sources told Fox News Digital that former presidential candidate Vivek Ramawami’s interest in running for governor has led to some potential gubernatorial candidates considering Ramaswamy’s deep pockets. He says he is reevaluating his options.
Husted has remained mum on the possibility of running for the Senate, other than to say, “As long as the people of Ohio accept me, I will continue to serve this state.” As for the future, I will reveal my plans early next year. ”
Fox News Digital reached out to Trump’s transition team for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter for FOX News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email your tips to AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.
