Rep. Jim Banks Says Vivek Ramaswamy Could Replace Sen. JD Vance in Senate if Trump Wins

Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., has endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy to replace Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, in the Senate if Trump and Vance win the 2024 election.

**Exclusive** - Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., has expressed his support for Vivek Ramaswamy to replace Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, in the Senate if he and former President Trump win the 2024 election.

"I hope Vivek is Governor DeWine's choice. I mean, he'd be a great senator if he wants it," Banks said, although he clarified that he is not involved in Ohio politics.

Rep. Jim Banks Says Vivek Ramaswamy Could Replace Sen. JD Vance in Senate if Trump Wins

Trump announced on Monday that he would select Vance as his running mate after weeks of speculation and controversy over the GOP presidential ticket.

Banks, who is running for the open Senate seat in the deep red state of Indiana, praised the ex-president's decision and argued that Vance would be a suitable standard-bearer for the movement Trump has created within the GOP.

Rep. Jim Banks Says Vivek Ramaswamy Could Replace Sen. JD Vance in Senate if Trump Wins

"Donald Trump is the leader, not just of the party, but of the America First movement. And I think Donald Trump picking JD Vance was not just picking his running mate, not just picking his vice president, but really putting someone forward who's going to represent the future of our party and our movement," Banks told Fox News Digital. "And JD Vance is the perfect person for that."

He echoed Trump's assertion that Vance, who has established himself as a populist during his first Senate term, would be crucial in winning swing state voters.

Rep. Jim Banks Says Vivek Ramaswamy Could Replace Sen. JD Vance in Senate if Trump Wins

"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.

His suggestion that Ramaswamy could replace Vance in the Senate comes as jockeying has already begun for the possible vacancy. The seat would become open if Trump defeats President Biden in November, and it would be up to DeWine to appoint someone to complete the remainder of Vance's term.

Rep. Jim Banks Says Vivek Ramaswamy Could Replace Sen. JD Vance in Senate if Trump Wins

Ramaswamy indicated that he would consider the nomination in a statement to Fox News Digital on Monday, saying, "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. 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 individuals who have been mentioned for the potential vacancy include Rep. Mike Carey, R-Ohio, who has close ties to both Trump and DeWine, and state Sen. Matt Dolan, who DeWine endorsed in the Republican primary against Vance.

As the race for the White House heats up, the impending appointment of a new senator from Ohio adds an intriguing layer to the political landscape, with several prominent figures vying for the opportunity to serve in the upper chamber of Congress.