JD Vance, the US vice president-elect of the United States, officially resigned from the Senate on Thursday, marking the end of a brief yet impactful tenure as Ohio’s representative in the upper chamber.
At 40, Vance is set to take on one of the highest offices in one of the world’s most powerful superpowers, serving alongside President Donald Trump in his second term.
Vance’s resignation comes as he prepares to be sworn in on January 20 alongside Trump, in a ceremony expected to show a smooth transition of power.
“It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to serve the people of Ohio in the Senate over the past two years,” Vance wrote in a resignation letter addressed to Republican Ohio governor Mike DeWine.
Elected in 2022 after defeating Democrat Tim Ryan, Vance’s Senate term focused more on supporting Trump’s policies than on passing legislation. He thanked the people of Ohio in a statement, saying, “When I was elected to this office, I promised to never forget where I came from, and I’ve made sure to live by that promise every single day.”
Vance further pledged to assist Trump in enacting a robust “America First” agenda over the next four years. “Together, we will make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before,” he said.
From author to politician
Best known as the author of Hillbilly Elegy before entering politics, Vance won a tough Senate race in 2022 but underperformed in Ohio’s Republican-leaning landscape. In his two years as senator, he passed no major legislation or led committees but stayed loyal to Trump’s vision for the country.
Vance’s loyalty paid off when Trump tapped him as his running mate ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention. His appointment as vice president will make him one of the least experienced individuals in the role in nearly 90 years.
Who will succeed Vance?
Governor DeWine is now responsible for appointing a temporary replacement for Vance in the Senate, with the appointee serving until a special election in November 2026. DeWine has kept his decision private, saying, “I’m not ready to make an announcement yet, but the announcement will be coming soon.”
Lieutenant governor Jon Husted is widely seen as the top choice for the appointment. A seasoned Republican, Husted has served as Speaker of the Ohio House, state senator, and secretary of state.
Other potential candidates include Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Treasurer Robert Sprague, state Senator Matt Dolan, and former GOP chair Jane Timken.
On the Democratic side, former Senator Sherrod Brown, who narrowly lost re-election last year, is reportedly considering a comeback in the special election.
