Who is responsible for appointing someone to fill a Senate vacancy?

The appointment to fill a Senate vacancy is the responsibility of the State Governor. According to the U.S. Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 2, when a Senate seat becomes vacant, the governor of the state where the vacancy occurs has the authority to appoint a replacement. This process ensures that the state is represented in the Senate promptly, maintaining the continuity of governance. Some states may allow for a special election to fill the vacancy instead, but the initial appointment falls to the governor.

The roles of the President, Secretary of State, and Speaker of the House do not include filling Senate vacancies; their responsibilities lie within different areas of governance or legislative function. Understanding this process highlights the importance of state-level governance in the federal system established by the Constitution.