MILWAUKEE — Behind-the-scenes maneuvering over who will replace Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio in the Senate is already underway just hours after former President Donald Trump named the first-term senator as his running mate.
Names already being floated, Fox News Digital has heard, include Rep. Mike Carey, R-Ohio, former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. The choice will be left to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who will appoint someone to finish Vance’s term.
Mr. Carrey, who has strong ties to both Mr. Trump and Mr. DeWine, reached out to Mr. DeWine shortly after Mr. Vance was selected, a source familiar with the discussions said. The two also met on another matter last week.
The source noted that Carey’s voting record aligns with DeWine’s policies, but that he has also received Trump’s endorsement for reelection.
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Former President Trump on Monday picked Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
A spokesperson for Calley responded to the speculation, saying, “From his 10 years of military service to the day he was sworn in, Calley has dedicated himself to service. He remains focused on representing Ohio’s 15th Congressional District.”
DeWine is widely seen as part of the party’s mainstream wing and is likely to face pressure from Trump supporters to appoint a candidate who is in line with Trump’s policies, with former presidential candidate Vivek Ramswamy being mentioned as a possible candidate.
When contacted by Fox News Digital, Ramaswami indicated he was interested in the vacancy.
“I have the utmost confidence that JD would be an excellent Vice President for President Trump. The only downside would be that our side would lose one of the best fighters in the Senate. If asked to serve, I would seriously consider the position and discuss with President Trump what path makes the most sense for our country,” Ramaswami said.
Ohio Republican Sen. Matt Dolan, who received DeWine’s endorsement in his Senate race against Bernie Moreno earlier this year, is also believed to be running to replace Vance, a Republican Senate strategist told Fox News Radio.
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One person being mentioned as a possible successor to Trump and Vance if they win is Republican Rep. Mike Carey of Ohio.
Dolan congratulated Vance, Social Media Posts Shortly after President Trump’s announcement, the Ohio governor said, “This decision is great news for the state of Ohio and for America.”
When Fox News Digital pointed out to Governor DeWine that he was being forced to make a choice, he did not reveal any of his thoughts.
“First we have to win,” DeWine told Fox News Digital on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention.
“The Governor does not anticipate commenting on the appointment process until an actual vacancy occurs after Election Day,” DeWine’s press secretary, Dan Tierney, said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“The governor said his focus through November will be helping to elect this candidate, U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno and the Republican nominee for Ohio Supreme Court justice.”
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Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswami has also expressed interest. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Husted, who spoke at the Republican National Convention before Vance took the stage as Trump’s running mate, is also a possible candidate for DeWine.
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In an interview with Fox News Digital, state Attorney General Dave Yost said Husted would be an “excellent choice.”
Another possible candidate is Republican Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio, who was briefly considered as a challenger to Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio in this year’s election but later announced his intention to seek another term in the House.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Husted, Carey and Davidson for further comment.
