Vice President-elect J.D. Vance underwent minor sinus surgery on Friday at George Washington Hospital. The operation, described as long-planned, was announced shortly after its completion.
William Martin, a spokesperson for Vance, stated, “The Vice President-elect is having long-planned, minor sinus surgery and will be back at work tomorrow.”
Before his procedure, Vance fulfilled his Senate duties by attending the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected senators. Among those sworn in were Republicans Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Vance shared his congratulations.
Moreno’s victory in November marked the end of Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown’s tenure in Ohio, further solidifying Republican gains in the Senate.
As Vice President-elect, Vance is poised to play a central role in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. His experience as a U.S. Senator will likely influence how he approaches his responsibilities, which extend beyond traditional vice-presidential duties.
“He’s going to be involved in a lot of decisions that the president makes,” said Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia. “It won’t be just ones that are interacting in between the Hill and the White House.”
An unnamed source close to Vance elaborated on his potential role:
“You can’t have the president call for everything. J.D. is a former colleague calling them. It’s a little bit of a softer touch … [Trump] is the hammer. J.D. is more like a diplomat.”
This dual dynamic is expected to help bridge communication between Congress and the White House, a critical function in the upcoming administration.
Vance’s transition to the vice presidency will leave a vacancy in the U.S. Senate. According to NBC News, Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine is tasked with appointing an interim senator to serve until 2026. At that time, a special election will be held to determine who will complete the remainder of Vance’s term, which runs through 2028.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted has emerged as the leading contender for the Senate appointment. A Republican familiar with the discussions stated, “If Husted wants to serve this way, it’s there.”
Husted’s prominence in the selection process was further highlighted by a recent meeting he and Governor DeWine had with President-elect Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
NBC News also reported that three Republicans familiar with the situation have described Husted as a “late and leading contender” for the Senate seat.
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted has emerged as a late and leading contender to succeed Vice President-elect JD Vance in the Senate, three Republicans familiar with the process say.
Husted’s potential appointment would ensure a smooth transition and maintain Republican control of the seat, a crucial factor for the party’s legislative agenda in the coming years.
Despite his surgery, Vance is expected to return to his duties almost immediately, a testament to his commitment to both his current Senate role and his future responsibilities as vice president. His ability to balance these roles underscores his influence and importance within the Republican Party.
As Vance prepares to resign from the Senate, his transition signals both continuity and change for Ohio’s political landscape. His successor will have significant shoes to fill, stepping into a role that has garnered national attention.
With the Trump administration set to take office, all eyes will be on Vance as he navigates his dual roles of diplomat and policymaker, helping to shape the direction of the new administration.