Vice President-elect JD Vance Resigns Senate Seat at Midnight; Ohio Governor to Appoint Successor

Jan 9, 2025, 10:38 PM

Vice President-elect JD Vance announced his resignation from the U.S. Senate, effective at midnight on Thursday, ahead of his inauguration alongside President-elect Donald Trump on January 20th. In a letter to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Vance expressed gratitude to the people of Ohio, stating, "To the people of Ohio, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of representing you in the United States Senate." Vance's departure reduces the Republican majority in the Senate to 51 members temporarily. Governor DeWine will appoint a replacement to fill the vacant seat until a special election in 2026. Potential appointees include Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, a fellow Republican considering the position.