Sen. JD Vance's election as vice president has opened up one of Ohio's U.S. Senate seats for the third time in as many years, setting off a scramble for the appointment among the state's ruling Republicans.

Whoever Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine picks to replace JD Vance in the Senate will face a battery of Trump loyalty tests on backing embattled Cabinet picks like Matt Gaetz, Pete Hegseth and more.

Senate Democrats agreed not to confirm four higher-level circuit court picks and will save the slots for President-elect Donald Trump to fill.

These are the Republican lawmakers who, by dint of age, independence or unusual constituencies, could provide a crucial check on Trump’s dictatorial ambitions.

Republican senators are pouring cold water on the idea that President-elect Trump could force the Senate into an extended recess next year so that he would be able to fill key positions in his Cabinet without going through the Senate confirmation process.