Ohio prepares for Senate vacancy as JD Vance becomes vice president

Senator JD Vance will become vice president, creating a vacancy in his Senate seat. Ohio's governor will appoint a temporary replacement, and a special election will be held in November 2026 to fill the remainder of Vance's term. Ohio law states the appointee will serve until December following the next regular state election, which is more than 180 days after the vacancy. Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, is expected to select a GOP replacement. Vance's Senate term began in 2023 and was set to end in early 2029. The recent elections resulted in Republicans regaining control of the Senate.