Vice President-elect JD Vance officially resigned from his U.S. Senate seat at midnight on January 10th, clearing the path for his swearing-in alongside President-elect Donald Trump on January 20th. Vance, who served Ohio in the Senate for two years, expressed heartfelt gratitude in a resignation letter to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
“It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the people of Ohio in the Senate over the past two years,” Vance wrote, reflecting on his time representing the state he grew up in.
With Vance’s departure, Governor DeWine is tasked with selecting his successor. Speculation points to Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted as a strong contender, though several Republicans have expressed interest in the role. The appointee will serve until December 2026 and will need to run in November 2026 for the remainder of the term.
Vance’s decision underscores his commitment to his new responsibilities as Vice President-elect, where he will serve alongside President-elect Trump in the administration’s efforts to reshape national policy.
Governor DeWine is expected to announce Vance’s replacement soon, setting the stage for a critical transition in Ohio’s representation in the U.S. Senate.