Mike DeWine, who will appoint Vance’s replacement to the U.S. Senate.

“As I prepare to assume my duties as vice president of the United States, I would like to express that it has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the people of Ohio in the Senate over the past two years,” Vance said in the letter.

In a separate statement to the people of Ohio, he extended his “heartfelt gratitude” for having represented them in the 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 said.

Vance is set to assume the duties of vice president Jan. 20, when he and Trump are sworn into office.

Trump, who announced Vance as his running mate in July during the Republican National Convention, defeated Democratic