Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) faces a crucial decision regarding the appointment to fill the vacancy left by Vice President-elect Vance. The battle for the position is expected to intensify, with Ohio Republicans vying for the opportunity.
Vance’s departure from the Senate, just two years after securing his seat, creates a vacancy that will have both immediate and long-term consequences. The appointed senator will be tasked with managing two major campaigns: a high-stakes special election in 2026 and a race in 2028.
Ohio Republicans gear up for a fierce competition to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Vice President-elect Vance
Given the rare nature of the opening, Republicans anticipate an intraparty rivalry in a state that has grown more conservative in recent years. “The competition will be fierce,” Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) noted.
While discussions are still in early stages, speculation is rife about who DeWine may select, with the governor’s office already receiving numerous inquiries from potential candidates. “A lot of people are calling,” DeWine told reporters Thursday. “We’re in the process of thinking this through and evaluating who might be the best choice.”
DeWine further emphasized that the person chosen must be prepared to hit the ground running and possess the ability to successfully run and win the upcoming Senate races, similar to the challenges faced by Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).
The selected senator is expected to be a broadly accepted figure within the party, avoiding both extreme positions aligned with DeWine’s moderate approach and the MAGA wing.
“I believe DeWine will choose someone who appeals to the entire party,” a source from Trump World remarked. “He won’t pick a radical MAGA candidate but also won’t choose someone who alienates Trump and his supporters.”
Jane Timken, former chair of the Ohio GOP, is considered a leading contender for the appointment. Though she finished fifth in the 2022 GOP Senate primary, she has solidified her position through a close relationship with DeWine, having managed the Ohio GOP during his early years as governor.
Timken was also a key ally to Vance leading up to the 2022 general election. Described by an Ohio GOP insider as a “bridge builder,” Timken’s approach could be appealing to DeWine. However, her cautious political strategy and the need to prove her viability in two consecutive Senate campaigns could be a challenge.
“Jane is a logical choice, but that’s why she might not get it,” an Ohio GOP operative remarked. “She’s the favorite on paper, but the dynamics could complicate that.”
DeWine has a history of appointing women to posts, which could further bolster Timken’s chances. However, after Timken, there is no clear consensus. Other potential candidates include Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy, and Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio).
It’s also possible that DeWine could use this appointment to eliminate potential challengers for the upcoming GOP gubernatorial primary. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, a close ally of DeWine, is considered the top choice to succeed him, though he could face off against figures like Yost or former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, a favorite of President-elect Trump. Strategic sources suggest that DeWine may opt for one of these potential gubernatorial challengers, with Yost being the more likely option.
DeWine, a former senator himself, is expected to approach the selection process with considerable care, acknowledging the importance of the role, especially given the two elections the appointee will have to face.
“This person must be ready to serve effectively in the Senate. I have a solid understanding of what’s required,” DeWine explained. “We need someone who can tackle both Ohio and national issues, demonstrates strong work ethic, and is eager to get things done.”
Ohio’s vacant Senate seat draws numerous contenders, as DeWine weighs his critical decision
He continued, emphasizing the serious nature of the decision: “This isn’t for someone seeking just a seat. It’s for someone who genuinely wants to do the job and has the ability to deliver.”
Two individuals unlikely to be appointed are state Sen. Matt Dolan and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, both of whom lost in the Senate primary to Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno. Dolan, considered a moderate, would likely provoke backlash from Trump supporters and could spark a contentious primary, a scenario Republicans want to avoid.
LaRose, who failed to perform well in the Senate race and struggled with fundraising, is also not seen as a strong contender. The influence of Vance in the selection process remains uncertain. Though DeWine and Vance have a strong personal relationship, DeWine is expected to rely on his advisers and keep the process closely guarded.
Trump’s influence in the decision is unclear, but sources suggest he will have some input in the selection. However, the choice is seen as DeWine’s to make. “At the end of the day, it’s a DeWine decision,” the Trump World source remarked.
The timeline for filling the vacancy is still unknown, as Vance has yet to formally resign from the Senate. However, DeWine is keen to make an appointment as soon as possible to ensure the new senator has seniority over the incoming class of senators, set to be inaugurated on January 3.
