Trump just threw everyone for a loop. This was the last thing on anyone’s mind.
And Donald Trump has announced a shocking replacement for JD Vance in a bombshell revelation.
Trump Reportedly Backs Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Senate Seat, Despite Speculation About Frontrunners
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly supportive of tech executive and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy replacing JD Vance in the U.S. Senate, according to a source familiar with ongoing discussions.
The seat became vacant last week when Vance resigned ahead of his inauguration as vice president on Monday. Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is responsible for appointing a temporary replacement until a special election is held in 2026.
BREAKING: JD Vance has officially resigned as a Senator in preparation to become the Vice President. pic.twitter.com/FTijY8HjYc
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) January 10, 2025
The source told the New York Post that Ramaswamy, whom Trump tapped as co-chair of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is interested in the appointment and has the president-elect’s backing. The news was initially reported by The Washington Post.
Governor DeWine, however, has not disclosed his top choices for the role. In a statement Thursday, he shared his criteria for the appointment: “I’m looking for someone who really knows Ohio, who understands this state, someone who has experience, someone frankly, who is a hard worker.”
Republican operatives told the New York Post that DeWine’s leading candidate is Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. Ramaswamy is not on the top of DeWine’s list.
Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati native who built his career in Silicon Valley, previously expressed openness to the Senate position after his 2024 presidential campaign ended following the Iowa caucus.
The billionaire entrepreneur quickly endorsed Trump and was subsequently appointed to DOGE, which is tasked with identifying $2 trillion in potential federal budget cuts. Alongside Ramaswamy, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was also named to the initiative.
However, Ramaswamy later announced he would no longer pursue the Senate appointment. In a November post on X, formerly Twitter, he wrote, “This means I’m withdrawing myself from consideration for the pending Senate appointment in Ohio. Whoever Governor DeWine appoints to JD’s seat has some big shoes to fill. I will help them however I can.”
And yes, this means I’m withdrawing myself from consideration for the pending Senate appointment in Ohio. Whoever Governor DeWine appoints to JD’s seat has some big shoes to fill. I will help them however I can.
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) November 13, 2024
Should Ramaswamy ultimately take the Senate seat, questions remain about how it would impact his role at DOGE, which is not an official agency of the U.S. government.
His presence in the Senate could provide a platform for pushing legislative recommendations from the department.
Ramaswamy’s political journey has not been without controversy. His remarks supporting immigrant workers in the U.S. as a solution to cultural issues sparked fierce debate among conservatives, including divisions over H-1B visa policies.
The comments also triggered a wave of anti-Indian remarks on social media, prompting Ramaswamy to noticeably scale back his online activity.
As DeWine prepares to announce his decision soon, all eyes remain on who will step into the role vacated by Vance.
While Ramaswamy’s name continues to circulate, the governor’s ultimate choice will have to balance political strategy, Ohioan values, and the expectations of conservatives.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
