It has been just over two years since Republican J.D. Vance was elected to represent Ohio voters in the United States Senate.

However, the freshman lawmaker resigned his seat this week in anticipation of being sworn in as vice president. 

Former senator expresses "heartfelt gratitude" to the people of Ohio

According to NBC News, Vance's resignation took effect at midnight on Thursday and was accompanied by a letter to Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.

NBC News quoted a statement in which the vice-president elect said, "To the people of Ohio, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of representing you in the United States Senate."

"When I was elected to this office, I promised to never forget where I came from, and I’ve made sure to live by that promise every single day," he continued.

Vance went on to stress that voters had provided "an undeniable mandate to put America first, both at home and abroad."

Vance set to become the third youngest vice president in U.S. history

The outgoing senator went on to pledge that he will work alongside President-elect Donald Trump to "enact his agenda" in the coming years.

NBC News pointed out that upon taking his oath of office on January 20, Vance will become the third youngest person ever to serve as vice president.

He is slightly older than Richard Nixon was when he became President Dwight D. Eisenhauer's second-in-command at 40 years and 11 days of age.

Meanwhile, Vice President John Breckinridge was just 36 years old when he took office in 1857 under President James Buchanan.

Ohio governor will appoint Vance's successor

Vance's announcement was met with praise from some of his colleagues, including Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso.

You’re a great soldier, a great Senator, a great friend, and you’ll be a great Vice President.

Thank you for dedicating your life to serving our country, @JDVance. pic.twitter.com/yxDsSywQPd

— Sen. John Barrasso (@SenJohnBarrasso) January 10, 2025

"You're a great soldier, a great Senator, a great friend, and you'll be a great Vice President. Thank you for dedicating your life to serving our country, [J.D. Vance]," Barrasso wrote in a social media post.

NBC News noted that Gov. DeWine is in charge of appointing someone to serve out the remainder of Vance's term. Among those considered to be likely candidates are Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, Ohio GOP chair Jane Timken, state Republican Rep. Jay Edwards, and state Treasurer Robert Sprague.