OHIO — Ohio's Sen. JD Vance is heading to the White House to be the next vice president of the United States. 

Now that he's leaving, many may be wondering what happens to his Ohio Senate seat. 

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine must appoint someone to fill the seat

  • There will then be a special election in 2026 to see who will fill the seat for the rest of Vance's term, which is until 2028
  • DeWine has not hinted at who he may appoint

While there is a special election involved in the process, it doesn't happen right away. 

According to Ohio law, Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, must appoint someone to fill the seat until a special election in 2026. Whoever wins the seat would serve the remainder of Vance's term, which is until 2028. Then, there would be another election to decide who should fill the seat next.

Whoever DeWine appoints, they can also run in the 2026 election if they wish to keep that seat.

As for who could replace Vance, DeWine hasn't hinted at who could take the job. DeWine's office said the governor is looking for someone who would do the "hard work" of the Senate and the "hard work" of Ohioans. His office also said that it has to be someone who is electable. 

DeWine's office said the timeline of the process is dependent of Vance's exit; it depends on whether he vacates the seat now or closer to the inauguration. Either way, DeWine is looking to fill the seat immediately so the seat doesn't sit empty. 

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