In Ohio, discussions are intensifying about who will take over JD Vance’s Senate seat, which will be open following his transition to the role of Vice President.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former GOP presidential candidate, and Jane Timken, chair of the Ohio Republican Party, are the main contenders.
However, Ramaswamy was already selected by Trump to lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration.
“Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies,” Trump said in a statement.
“She’s [Timken] a good compromise between MAGA and DeWine in my opinion,” one insider said.
Governor Mike DeWine’s decision will likely be influenced by President-elect Donald Trump; if Trump favors a MAGA candidate, Ramaswamy may be chosen, while a more moderate approach could lead to Timken’s selection.
“It’s going to be Vivek,” one insider stated. “DeWine isn’t going to like it, but Trump is the one who’s gonna make the call. And DeWine will take that call.”
The governor has the authority to appoint an interim senator until a special election is held, and the choice must balance conservative values with the ability to compete against Democrat Sherrod Brown in the upcoming election.
