CNN
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J.D. Vance will resign from the Senate at midnight Thursday, days before he is sworn in as vice president, a spokesperson for Vance told CNN.
The first-term senator must resign before taking the oath of office with President-elect Donald Trump on January 20th. The decision to appoint Vance’s successor now rests with Ohio’s Republican governor.
“As I prepare to assume the role of Vice President of the United States, I would like to state that it has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the people of Ohio in the Senate for the past two years,” Vance wrote in his book. mentioned in. Official resignation letter to Governor Mike DeWine, effective January 10th.
The governor told CNN shortly after announcing the next vice president that he plans to announce Vance’s successor next week.
Vance addressed the Ohio district in a separate statement, saying, “When I was elected to this Congress, I promised to never forget where I came from, and I have lived up to that promise every day.”
“The American people have given President Trump an undeniable mandate to put America first at home and abroad.” “Over the next four years, I will do everything in my power to help President Trump enact policies that, together, will make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before.”
NBC first reported the timing of Vance’s resignation from the Senate.
If DeWine nominates him for the seat, the senator’s term would end in 2026 and he would have to run in a special election to fill the final two years of Vance’s term. He will then have to run again for a six-year term in 2028.
DeWine told CNN he was looking for someone to serve on the “staff of the United States Senate,” citing his past as a former two-term senator.
“I think we have a pretty good understanding of what it takes to be successful. I want someone who understands Ohio State, has deep knowledge of our state, and is a strong advocate for Ohio State.” DeWine said, adding that his choice also requires a “willingness” to be able to run for a full term and win within two years of the primary and general election.
CNN previously reported that Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted is a leading candidate to replace Vance in the Senate. Mr. DeWine declined to comment Thursday on whether he had spoken to Mr. Husted about the Senate seat.
The decision is up to the governor, but Vance has not publicly considered who he would like to replace him. CNN asked Husted earlier this week at the Capitol if he supported him, but he did not respond.
Mr. DeWine’s decision could disrupt another election in the Buckeye State, a race to replace the term-limited governor in 2026, which could be crowded with Republican candidates.
This story has been updated with additional details.
