Donald Trump is privately advocating the appointment of Vivek Ramaswamy to Ohio’s vacant Senate seat.
According to multiple media reports, Trump is urging Vivek to accept the appointment if offered the opportunity by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
CNN reports that Vivek’s current preference is to focus on his role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and to run for Ohio governor in 2026.
The 39-year-old, who previously ran for the Republican nomination before withdrawing after the Iowa caucuses, is said to be open to the Senate position if “everyone wants” him to replace Vance.
“Neither Governor DeWine nor our office has commented on any possible candidates for the pending appointment,” DeWine’s press secretary, Dan Tierney, told CNN in a statement.
Back in November, Vivek ruled himself out of contention for the Senate appointment following Trump’s announcement that he and Elon Musk would head up the DOGE.
“This means I’m withdrawing myself from consideration for the pending Senate appointment in Ohio,” he said at the time.
”Whoever Governor DeWine appoints to JD’s seat has some big shoes to fill,” he continued. “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
Vivek’s tenure as head of the DOGE will continue until July next year, as he and Musk aim to slash trillions of dollars from the federal budget.
Other contenders for the role include Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, and the GOP’s state party chair, Jane Timken.
DeWine told reporters on Thursday that he expects to make a decision by next week.
“I’m not ready to make an announcement yet, but the announcement will be coming soon,” he said.
“I want someone who understands Ohio, who has a deep knowledge of our state,” he continued. “We need a strong advocate there.”
The post Vivek Ramaswamy Back in Contention for Filling Vacant Ohio Senate Seat – Trump Privately Backing His Candidacy appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.