Donald Trump is always looking for loyal individuals. That’s his number one guideline.
That’s why this J.D. Vance replacement news is raising eyebrows.
There’s been quite a few Congressmen and women who have been tapped to work in the second Trump administration, leaving some critical holes to fill for the Republicans in Congress. One of the biggest holes is that being left in the U.S. Senate by soon-to-be Vice President J.D. Vance (R-OH).
The U.S. Seante is going to be an extremely critical gear in the Washington, D.C. machine that will either cooperate with Donald Trump and what he wants to accomplish in his second term or be a cog that refuses to move whatsoever and cause all of Trump’s plans to come to a halt. That’s how important the U.S. Senate the next few years truly is.
Ohio’s Governor, Mike DeWine, has to take the replacement of J.D. Vance very seriously because the last thing anyone wants is yet another do-nothing RINO (Republican In Name Only) to muck things up and be a thorn in everyone’s side, much like how Mitt Romney was for years and years until his decision to step aside from politics.
Well Trump supporters might have a little bit of good news on this front. A top candidate to replace J.D. Vance is making it clear in interviews that they want to help Donald Trump starting on “day one.”
Ohio’s Mike Carey Makes His Case For Replacing J.D. Vance In U.S. Senate
Rep. Mike Carey, a Republican from Ohio, is among the growing list of potential candidates aiming to replace Vice President-elect J.D. Vance in the U.S. Senate once Vance formally steps down. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Carey, a former coal lobbyist and U.S. Army veteran, emphasized his experience and deep connection to Ohio, arguing that the next senator from the state must be ready on “day one” to support the incoming administration’s priorities.
Carey, who has won Ohio’s 15th congressional district three times since 2021, pointed to his history of working with President-elect Donald Trump in the private sector, asserting that his familiarity with the president’s agenda makes him a strong contender for the Senate. “I think that’s the most important thing, because I want the president to be successful,” Carey said. “I think the American people want the president to be successful. And I think that’s what we need from a senator from the state of Ohio.”
I wish there was a filter on X that hides all selfie videos from liberals coping with Trump's victory until after the inauguration.
— Mike Carey (@MikeCarey4CC) November 22, 2024
The congressman added that he believes a new senator should be prepared to hit the ground running, avoiding the need for a lengthy learning curve. “You don’t want to have somebody coming in from the great state of Ohio who has to be on the job training,” Carey explained. “And so we’ve had a track record of success here in the 15th Congressional District. I can easily parlay that into the Senate.”
Carey also highlighted his accomplishments on Capitol Hill, including his work on the House Committee on Administration, where he helped secure bipartisan support for legislation that created the Congressional Election Observer program. This initiative deploys congressional poll watchers to contentious races. His track record in the House, Carey argued, demonstrates his ability to work across party lines and deliver results.
Describing Ohio as a state with unique demographics, Carey emphasized the importance of understanding the diverse makeup of its population. “I’ve spent a lifetime in Ohio. Born and raised in Ohio,” Carey said. “But I think the senator has to understand we are a unique state. There is a reason why Columbus, Ohio, is the test market for any product as it relates to food services, because we are a microcosm of the United States.”
Carey’s district, which stretches from urban Columbus to suburban and rural areas, mirrors the state’s diversity, with approximately 22% of the population being minorities. He noted that his ability to connect with various segments of the electorate played a key role in his re-election victory, where he won by over 13 points despite his district being considered competitive. “In an R-5 district, we won by 13 points,” Carey said. “I think I have a track record.”
Throughout his time in the House, Carey has worked on bipartisan initiatives, including tax credits for caregivers and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The Credit for Caring Act, which Carey introduced, provides a $3,000 tax credit for home health care providers. He has also championed a tax credit aimed at making IVF more accessible for Americans. “If somebody wants to have a child, we should do everything possible to give them the opportunity to have a child,” he said. “Both very, I think, bipartisan ideas that the president has pushed forward.”
Looking ahead, Carey expressed his strong belief that Ohio needs a senator who truly understands the state and its people. “Nobody that knows the state any better than me,” Carey said. “An opportunity to serve all the people of Ohio would be the honor of my life.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who will make the appointment, has indicated that the new senator must be well-positioned to secure the seat in the 2026 special election, which will be held to complete Vance’s term. The list of potential replacements includes other Republican members of Ohio’s congressional delegation, such as Reps. Jim Jordan, David Joyce, and Warren Davidson. However, DeWine may be hesitant to appoint a House member, as such a move would reduce the GOP’s already slim majority in the lower chamber.
In addition to these lawmakers, the field of potential replacements also includes former Ohio Republican Chair Jane Timken, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, state Sen. Matt Dolan, Treasurer Robert Sprague, and Republican strategist Mehek Cooke.
Carey expressed admiration for Governor DeWine, stating, “The governor is somebody who I’ve admired since I was in grade school. He understands the nature of the body politic,” he said. “But he also understands that we need to have somebody that understands Ohio. There’s nobody that loves Ohio more than, I’d say more than me, as would be Mike DeWine. And I think he wants to get somebody in office that loves the state just as much as he does.” Carey concluded by stating his belief that he is the right choice to represent Ohio in the Senate.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
