Posted on 07/15/2024 2:21:45 PM PDT by Kazan
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) will be former President Trump’s vice presidential nominee, Trump announced Monday at the outset of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
The first-term senator has been one of Trump’s most vocal supporters in recent months, and was strongly backed by Donald Trump Jr. as the former president’s best pick to be second in command.
A promotion to the White House after a potential November election victory would now leave Ohio without one of its senators.
Here’s what happens if Vance is elected vice president:
Interim senator
If Vance is elected to higher office, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) would select his immediate replacement in the Senate.
Vance was first elected in 2022 with a term slated to end in 2028. According to Ohio state law, his governor-appointed successor would face a special election in November 2026 to vote on who will complete the term.
DeWine’s office told the Cleveland-based The Plain Dealer last month that it has not contemplated replacing Vance.
“We do not have a vacancy,” spokesperson Dan Tierney said. “Out of respect to both U.S. senators, we are not contemplating what would happen if either were not able to finish the term to which they are elected.”
DeWine celebrated Vance’s selection as vice presidential candidate in a CNN interview Monday.
“We’re very happy. This is a great day for Ohio,” he said. “Ohio truly is the heart of it all, as we say, and now we have the vice presidential candidate and we hope the next vice president of the United States.”
Statewide implications
If Vance were to leave the Senate, the open seat could quickly shake up the pecking order among Ohio Republicans. A number of notable politicians have already indicated that they are considering a run for governor in 2026 to replace DeWine, who is term-limited and expected to retire.
That group includes Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (R) and Attorney General Dave Yost (R). Recent GOP Senate candidates such as Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, state Sen. Matt Dolan or current Senate nominee Bernie Moreno could also be considered.
A Moreno selection would first require him to lose his current Senate race against Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) this November.
Ohio Republican Chair Jane Timken, a Trump ally with ties to DeWine, could also fit the bill to continue Vance’s term, as would former state Treasurer Josh Mandel. Both lost the 2022 Senate primary to Vance.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a rising star among Ohio Republicans after his brief presidential campaign, indicated he could be interested to replace Vance in a CNN interview after the senator was announced as the pick.
“I think JD is gonna be a great vice president,” Ramaswamy said. “If asked to serve in that role, if JD is indeed the vice president — we’re going a couple steps ahead here, we don’t know who the vice president is yet … I would strongly consider it.”
The bad news is that Mike DeWine will pick his replacement.
Rumor is Trump asked Dewine about Vivek
Strongest rumor in Columbus is John “The Mailman” Kasich is the 1st choice - Husted has been promised The Governor nomination when DeWime retires.
LaRose would lose the seat in 2026.
Kasich, LOL.
We’ll see if DeWine offers it to the high bidder.
“Rumor is Trump asked Dewine about Vivek”
Vivek started that rumor.
Kasich needs to stay retired.
The GOP could use some younger leaders like Vivek.
I would drive to Cedarville and protest day and night at Deweenie’s if he did that.
Are the letfys at the Hill that stupid?
Kasich?
You forgot the /s tag!!!
Please God, not Vivek. Josh Mandel deserved the seat, and would have won it except Peter Theil came in and bought the primary for his Silicon Valley BFF. Let deWhine choose Mandel.
If Moreno loses in November appointing a loser would be the same as appointing Marta McSally to lose.
Watching to the convention. Someone singing The Rascals People Got To Be Free. Felix Caviliere wrote it in response to the death of RFK in ‘68. I don’t think he’d approve.
Perhaps all the music there should be leftist stuff. Rub their noses in it.
We screwed up big time in Ga. 2 senate seats lost. I’d blame the higher-ups. Ayotte lost NH in ‘16 because 600 gop voters didn’t show up. Ohio is more solid republican than before but do we have it in the bag?
I think Vivek would be high profile enough to win to complete the term Run in ‘26 and then again in ‘28 for a 6 year term? No room for the lazy.
😉
Vivek is a moron. He typifies my neighbors - the silicon valley idiots who think they know everything.
I expect DeWine will pick an established politician who can hold the seat.
Establishment politicians will keep the decline going.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.