President Trump’s 2024 victory means it’s time for the Republicans to take back the White House — and they’re making big moves in preparation. Trump’s choice of Sen. JD Vance as his vice president has now set off a chain reaction of political musical chairs, creating a high-stakes scramble for Vance’s soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat in Ohio.
With Vance’s promotion to VP, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will be responsible for appointing a temporary replacement until a special election can be held. This decision is crucial, as it could determine who holds the seat until the next Senate election cycle. A shortlist of potential candidates is already circulating, and it’s filled with well-known Republican names eager to step up.
At the top of the list is Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate who quickly became a MAGA favorite during the GOP primary debates. His name recognition and close ties with Trump make him a strong contender. Another possibility is Rep. Jim Jordan, a staunch Trump ally known for his aggressive stance against the Biden administration. Jordan’s firebrand approach has made him a favorite among the conservative base, but it’s unclear if he would give up his powerful position as chair of the House Judiciary Committee.
Other names in the mix include Matt Dolan, a state senator who ran a strong campaign in the 2022 GOP Senate primary; Bernie Moreno, a businessman with significant backing from Ohio’s Republican establishment; and Jane Timken, the former chair of the Ohio Republican Party who has deep ties with the state’s GOP leadership. Additionally, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Secretary of State Frank LaRose are seen as strong potential picks, both having statewide electoral experience and solid conservative credentials.
CBS News reported that Trump’s return to the White House is already reshaping the GOP landscape, as several lawmakers from both chambers prepare to vacate their seats to join his new administration. In addition to Vance, Trump tapped Rep. Elise Stefanik for ambassador to the United Nations, which means her seat in New York’s 21st congressional district will also be up for grabs.
Stefanik’s departure sets the stage for a special election, likely to be scheduled by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. Although Stefanik won her district by more than 20 points in the midterms, the timeline for the election could leave the seat vacant for up to 90 days, temporarily shrinking the GOP’s narrow majority in the House.
As Ohio’s political drama unfolds, all eyes are on Governor DeWine. His appointment to replace Vance could set the tone for the state’s Republican Party heading into 2026, when the seat will be up for a full-term election. With the GOP looking to consolidate power and push through Trump’s second-term agenda, whoever steps into Vance’s shoes will have big boots to fill — and a crucial role to play in the new era of Trump’s Washington.
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