The inauguration is just two months away. But chaos is setting in.
Because J.D. Vance just received completely unexpected replacement news.
Ohio Republican Rep. Mike Carey Eyes JD Vance’s Senate Seat, Bolstered by Trump Endorsement and Strong Support
Ohio Republican Rep. Mike Carey is positioning himself as a leading contender to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. In an interview with reporters over at the Daily Caller, Carey discussed his potential bid to take over the seat and outlined why he believes he is uniquely qualified for the role.
With Vance set to resign from the Senate ahead of the Trump administration’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will be tasked with appointing a Republican to serve in Vance’s stead. The appointee will serve alongside Senator-elect Bernie Moreno until a special election in 2026. Carey, who currently represents Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, is among several Republicans being considered for the position. His supporters argue that his strong relationships with both President Donald Trump and Governor DeWine, as well as his proven ability to win competitive races, make him well-suited to hold the seat for the GOP through the 2026 election cycle and beyond.
“I will support the governor’s decision no matter who he appoints,” Carey shared with reporters in a recent interview. “But I’d love to be a part of the Senate.”
Carey, now in his first full term in Congress, has emerged as a prominent figure in Ohio Republican politics. He first won a special election in November 2021 to represent Ohio’s 15th Congressional District after receiving a key endorsement from former President Trump. During the competitive Republican primary, Carey triumphed over ten other candidates, securing nearly 40% of the vote. Trump, in a March 2024 endorsement of Carey’s reelection bid, praised Carey’s work in Congress, highlighting his commitment to border security, tax cuts, military support, and the protection of Second Amendment rights.
“Congressman Mike Carey is a tireless advocate for the incredible people of Ohio’s 15th Congressional District,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “A Proud Veteran, Mike is fighting to Secure the Border, Uphold the Rule of Law, Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes, Eliminate Needless Regulations, Support our Brave Military / Veterans, and Protect and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Trump further emphasized Carey’s dedication to the “America First” agenda, noting that Carey was one of his earliest supporters during the 2016 campaign.
“Mike Carey is an America First Champion – He Endorsed me on the first day of my Campaign, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement!” Trump added.
Carey’s appeal extends beyond his relationship with Trump. His supporters within Ohio’s political establishment have praised his effectiveness and track record. State Representative Jeff LaRe, who finished second in the 2021 Republican primary, described Carey as a “level-headed” and “great legislator,” emphasizing his ability to win contested primaries.
“Mike’s been a great friend of the firefighters for years. Since he’s been in Congress, he’s been one of our top advocates,” said Steve Stein, president of the Columbus Firefighters Union. The Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters also endorsed Carey for the Senate appointment in a letter to Governor DeWine dated November 12.
As a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, Carey has also focused on key policy issues that could shape his agenda in the Senate. One of his top priorities is preserving the $3.4 trillion in tax cuts enacted by the Trump administration in 2017. Many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire at the end of 2025, and Carey has pledged to fight for their extension, working alongside Republican leaders in the next Congress to ensure the tax cuts remain in place.
A former coal executive, Carey is also a strong advocate for U.S. energy security. He has consistently pushed for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that includes coal, natural gas, and renewables, while criticizing the Biden administration’s regulatory policies aimed at reducing coal and natural gas production.
“I’ve always supported a balanced energy approach that prioritizes both security and affordability,” Carey explained, pointing to the importance of cheap and reliable energy sources for Ohio families and businesses.
In addition to his work on energy policy, Carey has introduced bipartisan legislation to support caregivers, provide additional resources for Medicare beneficiaries, and repurpose vacant office buildings for housing. His focus on practical, bipartisan solutions has earned him praise from both sides of the aisle.
As the list of potential appointees to Vance’s Senate seat continues to evolve, Carey faces competition from several high-profile Ohio Republicans. Among those under consideration are Rep. Jim Jordan, former Ohio GOP chairwoman Jane Timken, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and state Sen. Matt Dolan. The decision rests with Governor DeWine, who must balance the political ramifications of his choice, as appointing Carey will have implications for the Republican majority in the U.S. House, where Republicans currently hold a slim six-seat advantage.
Ultimately, Carey’s supporters believe his leadership and deep roots within Ohio Republican politics make him an ideal candidate to succeed Vance and help guide the party through to the critical 2026 elections.
“I’ve had the privilege to serve Ohio in Congress, and I would love the opportunity to serve Ohio in the Senate,” Carey concluded.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
