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In July, when Donald Trump announced that Ohio Sen. JD Vance would be his vice president, I profiled the top contenders for the coveted Senate seat that will be vacant the day Vance takes the oath of office. Gov. Mike DeWine will appoint a replacement to fill the seat until a special election can be held in 2026. Since that writing, several candidates have removed their names from consideration, and a few others have entered the fray. As we speak, would-be senators are making their pilgrimages to Columbus to kiss DeWine’s ring.
Anytimeyouhaveavacantseatlikethis,palaceintrigueissuretofollow,andthere’sbeenplentyofthat.Whilethereisanelementofpublicsentimentthatcomesintoplay,thedecisionwillultimatelybeDeWine’s.
DeWinehassaidhe’slookingforsomeonewhowouldbe:
AgoodcandidatewhocouldbothwinprimariesandkeeptheseatinRepublicanhandscome2026(midtermstendtobechallengingforthepartyinpower)andagainin2028He’slookingforsomeonewhowantstoservebeyond2026ratherthana“placeholder”becausewithseniorityintheSenatecomesmorepowerPotentialtobeproduc
