Republican Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio is reportedly evaluating potential candidates to fill the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. Among those under consideration are Mehek Cooke, a prominent attorney, political strategist, and Trump surrogate.

Cooke is emerging as a strong contender to serve as Ohio’s appointed senator until a special election in November 2026, Fox News reported.

Cooke gained attention during the 2024 presidential campaign as a legal and political advocate for President-elect Donald Trump. She frequently appeared on national television to bolster support for Trump, who carried Ohio by a decisive 11-point margin. Her fundraising skills and connection with grassroots supporters have added to her profile as a potential Senate appointee.

Cooke's Legal Background And Career Highlights

Cooke’s legal and political experience spans state and federal levels. She previously served in the Ohio governor's office and worked as an attorney with the U.S.

Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio. Her legal work included handling cases of corruption, terrorism, drug trafficking, and financial crimes, earning her a reputation as a formidable prosecutor.

In 2020, Cooke ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives. However, she has remained active in politics, founding American Frontier Strategies, a consulting firm focused on advancing Republican policies and candidates.

Born in India, Cooke immigrated to the United States at the age of 5. She has frequently spoken about her commitment to the principles of hard work and opportunity that she credits with shaping her journey. Supporters praise her ability to connect with everyday Ohioans while maintaining a strong moral compass.

Governor Faces Decision With High Stakes

Governor DeWine’s appointment will have significant implications for the Republican Party in Ohio. By law, the appointee must belong to the same political party as the departing senator. The appointed individual will serve until 2028, at which point they will have the option to run for a full six-year term.

DeWine is also considering several other candidates for the role. These include Jane Timken, Frank LaRose, and Matt Dolan, all of whom have extensive political experience.

Additionally, three Republican representatives—Mike Carey, David Joyce, and Warren Davidson—are under review. Notably, Vivek Ramaswamy has withdrawn from consideration, and some potential candidates, like Jon Husted and Dave Yost, are prioritizing Ohio’s gubernatorial race.

Community Support Builds For Cooke

Cooke has garnered substantial local support, with figures like Marty Savko, a prominent Ohioan, lauding her character and independence. “She’s a proud American citizen with a kind heart who believes in fairness,” Savko stated. He emphasized her integrity and determination, comparing her to Ohio’s last two statewide senators, JD Vance and Bernie Moreno.

Savko further described Cooke as unafraid to break from groupthink. “She’s not part of a clique,” he remarked, contrasting her with career politicians. “She votes based on what’s best for the people, and she’s incredibly honest.”

Ohio Republicans Weigh Future Leadership

Cooke’s appointment would make her the first Indian-born senator from Ohio, adding a historic dimension to DeWine’s decision. Her legal and political background, combined with her loyalty to Trump, could help unify the Republican base heading into the next election cycle.

The special election in November 2026 will ultimately decide who retains the Senate seat for the remainder of Vance’s term. Until then, DeWine’s appointee will play a critical role in representing Ohio in Washington and shaping legislative priorities.

As the governor deliberates, the choice of who will temporarily replace JD Vance could significantly impact Ohio’s political landscape and the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.