COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been busy — having calls and meeting with U.S. Senate hopefuls trying to take Vice President-elect JD Vance's seat in the nation's capital.
President-elect Donald Trump and Vance are set to take office in mid-January, but another race is heating up.
"Some people have already contacted me," DeWine said during a press conference before the election. "I've already met with some people — at their request."
DeWine has a big decision to make. Vance will need to resign from his coveted Senate seat, and the governor will appoint his replacement.
Back in July, I asked him about the qualities that he wants to an appointee.
RELATED: Here's what qualities Gov. Mike DeWine wants to see in his next U.S. Senate appointment
"I'll look for someone who wants to get things done every day and will stay focused on it — It's a tough job, it's not an easy job," DeWine told me in July. "We also have to have someone who will be able to stay there a while."
Building up seniority is important, and a lawmaker can become more effective the longer they stay there, he said.
Republican strategist Bob Clegg said the governor has a lot of options in front of him — but one stands out the most.
"Vivek," Clegg said. "Same age, same background... He's coming into politics within the last two years."
Ramaswamy's team has told us previously that he wasn't able to do an interview and we didn't hear back from him Wednesday. But he told Politico that he was interested.
"If I were asked to serve, I would strongly consider it," he said.
DeWine could also choose someone with more in common with his own ideology and mild-mannered personality, Clegg said.
"I think he's got somebody like Jane Timken who wouldn't fit the typical appointment but is the kind of Republican that he feels comfortable with," the strategist said.
Jane Timken is a Trump ally who ran for U.S. Senate in 2022 and is currently the RNC Committeewoman for Ohio. She didn't respond to comment Wednesday, but before the election, she told me that it was too early to talk about the vacancy.
The governor said he isn’t sure about the timeline for naming a replacement yet, since Vance still needs to resign his seat. But we do know he has plenty of candidates to choose from.
"We've got a few people interested," DeWine said, laughing.
Onto the names
This list is not exhaustive and only reflects the views of two dozen Ohio political insiders in different offices and professions. Individuals will likely come out of the woodwork to express interest to the governor. This is an updated list to our original from when Vance was announced as the VP candidate. Each of the individuals on this list has been mentioned to me more than five times.
Former candidates
Jane Timken
As mentioned, Timken is one of the most popular names referenced.
Not only does she have a good relationship with institutional Republicans like Rob Portman, but she also appeals to MAGA-esque conservatives.
She would also be the first female U.S. Senator in Ohio history.
Matt Dolan
Clegg had originally thought in July that state Sen. Matt Dolan seemed like an obvious pick but changed his mind this time around. Still, dozens of politicos still suggest Dolan.
The governor endorsed Dolan in the last U.S. Senate Republican primary, but he finished second to Bernie Moreno.
Dolan's spokesperson denied to comment Wednesday, but previously told us that the senator was focused on the general election.
Frank LaRose
Sec. of State Frank LaRose was mentioned as a possibility. He ran and came in third for the 2024 Republican U.S. Senate nomination. However, Vance and Donald Trump Jr. have routinely criticized and insulted LaRose on social media. It is unclear if that could play into DeWine's decision.
His team has previously not responded to comment.
Statewide names
Vivek Ramaswamy, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Attorney General Dave Yost
Ramaswamy, despite not having run for U.S. Senate before, was also proposed by a dozen insiders.
This could be a political play for the governor.
Ramaswamy, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Attorney General Dave Yost are all expected to run for governor in 2026.
By appointing Ramaswamy, Husted (or Yost) could have a thinner primary battle.
"If you're Jon, what do you think you're saying to Mike DeWine?" Clegg said, suggesting that Husted wants to clear the field. "What advice are you giving him on who to appoint?"
Husted, DeWine's second-in-command, has been in politics for more than two decades. He has served as the secretary of state, speaker of the House and state senator.
Although not as frequently brought up as Yost was, Husted is being floated. That being said, appointing Husted could give the LG more name recognition for his gubernatorial run in 2026.
"Today is about celebrating a historic comeback by President Trump and Ohio’s new Senator, Bernie Moreno," Husted's spokesperson Hayley Carducci said. "I am sure Governor DeWine, President Trump and Vice President Vance will have a conversation, but today is about celebrating a great victory for Ohio and the America-First movement."
Yost has been floated the most of the statewide officials.
Yost is also a longtime politician, starting behind the scenes and then working as Delaware County auditor and then prosecutor. Before becoming AG, he was the state auditor.
However, the AG doesn't want the position and would decline it, his team told me.
"We’re blessed to have a number of candidates who would make a great U.S. senator alongside Senator-Elect Bernie Moreno," Yost's campaign spokesperson Amy Natoce said. "Attorney General Yost has always felt called to an executive office, and is actively raising money for a 2026 run for governor."
Robert Sprague
Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague was brought up by Clegg and numerous other politicos.
Sprague has been working in politics for years. He previously was a member of the Ohio House. Prior, he served as the Findlay auditor and treasurer.
"They're on the younger side and could do the job and do it well," Clegg said about Sprague and Husted.
"It is certainly flattering to be a part of that conversation, particularly as the Treasurer considers how he will continue to serve his fellow Ohioans," Sprague's campaign spokesperson Dalton Throckmorton said.
Sitting members of Congress
Dave Joyce
Congressman Dave Joyce has been a member of Congress since 2013, representing Northeast Ohio. He is a moderate with views closely aligned with DeWine's. He chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.
His team did not respond to comment Wednesday, but a source familiar told me that Joyce’s name has come up.
Mike Carey
Congressman Mike Carey was mentioned repeatedly. Carey has been a member of Congress since 2021, representing parts of Columbus and central Ohio. He is known as being slightly more conservative than Joyce. He is the chairman of the House Communications Standards Commission.
"I think of all the congressmen, I think Mike would be the obvious one," Clegg said.
He didn't respond to comment.
DeWine's pick
The choice will likely come before the end of the year. A resignation before the new class of senators takes office helps a new senator get seniority over the elected ones.
"The timeline will be dictated by when Vice President-elect Vance decides to make his resignation effective," DeWine's spokesperson Dan Tierney told me Wednesday.
During the press conference before the election, DeWine said the appointment announcement could even come within a few days.
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