Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) has expressed his support for former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to replace Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) if he and former President Trump win the 2024 election.
Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) has endorsed former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to replace Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) in the Senate if he and former President Trump win the 2024 election.
Banks made the announcement on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention, where Trump announced his pick of Vance as his running mate.
Jim Banks Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy to Replace JD Vance in the Senate
"I hope Vivek is Governor DeWine's choice," Banks said. "I mean, he'd be a great senator if he wants it," Banks added, emphasizing that he is not involved in Ohio politics.
Banks praised Trump's decision to select Vance, who has established himself as a populist in his first Senate term. "Donald Trump is the leader, not just of the party, but of the America First movement," Banks said. "And I think JD Vance is the perfect person for that."
Jim Banks Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy to Replace JD Vance in the Senate
He also echoed Trump's argument that Vance would be critical to winning swing state voters. "JD will go into these swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and connect with regular working-class families, the voters that we need to win in November," Banks said.
The seat would become open if Trump beats President Biden in November, and it would be up to DeWine to appoint someone to fill out the rest of Vance's term.
Jim Banks Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy to Replace JD Vance in the Senate
Ramaswamy has indicated he would be open to the nod. "I have rock-solid conviction that JD will be an outstanding VP for President Trump. The only negative is this leaves our side missing one of our best fighters in the Senate," he said. "If asked to serve, I would strongly consider the position and would discuss with President Trump which path makes the most sense for our country."
Other potential candidates for the vacancy include Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH), who is close with both Trump and DeWine, and state Sen. Matt Dolan, whom DeWine endorsed in the Republican primary against Vance.
Jim Banks Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy to Replace JD Vance in the Senate
Banks' endorsement of Ramaswamy adds to the jockeying for the possible vacancy, highlighting the eagerness of Republicans to fill the position and the potential impact it could have on the future of the party.
