Rudolph Angler Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is evaluating potential candidates to fill the Senate seat that Vice President-elect JD Vance will vacate as he transitions to the White House. Among the contenders is Republican attorney Mehek Cooke, a prominent Trump supporter and fundraiser, known for her legal expertise and political acumen.
Cooke, who immigrated to the U.S. from India at age 5, has served in various legal and political roles, including as assistant chief counsel in the Ohio governor’s office and a prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Ohio. A vocal advocate for President-elect Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign, she is viewed as a strong ally of the Trump administration.
Ohio law mandates that the governor appoint a Republican to fill the Senate seat until a special election is held in 2026. The winner of that election will complete Vance’s term, which ends in 2028, and will need to campaign again for a full six-year term.
Cooke’s candidacy is bolstered by endorsements from influential figures in Ohio. Supporters praise her relatability, integrity, and commitment to conservative values. Marty Savko, a prominent Ohio businessman and Trump donor, described her as a “fighter” aligned with the same principles as JD Vance and former Senate candidate Bernie Moreno. Savko added that Cooke’s independence and focus on what is best for constituents set her apart.
Other potential candidates include former Ohio GOP chair Jane Timken, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and Attorney General Dave Yost. Some Republican Congress members, including Reps. Mike Carey and Warren Davidson, are also under consideration. However, some figures, like Yost, have expressed disinterest in the role.
Governor DeWine, who aims to balance the priorities of Trump’s base with those of moderate Republicans, is expected to announce his choice in coordination with the official timing of Vance’s resignation. While gender is not the deciding factor, insiders suggest that DeWine may prioritize elevating a woman to the role.
Cooke has not commented on the speculation, and Governor DeWine’s office has emphasized that the appointee will be someone qualified and prepared to earn the trust of Ohio voters in future elections.