Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vance will not speak at a Republican Party of Minnesota event scheduled for next month, with Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, taking his place.

A state party official told the Minneapolis Star Tribune the change for the 2022 Lincoln-Reagan Dinner in Bloomington on April 1 was due to a scheduling conflict. It also comes after the “Hillbilly Elegy” author faced criticism from Democrats and some Republicans for comments about Ukraine.

Minnesota GOP Executive Director Mike Lonergan told the Star Tribune in a statement it would host Vance when schedules allow.

“We are excited to have CPAC Chairman and author of 'The Desecrators' Matt Schlapp as our speaker and looking forward to a successful event!” Lonergan said. 

“We look forward to hosting J.D. Vance when the schedule permits,” he added.

Vance made headlines last month after an appearance on Steve Bannon’s podcast “War Room,” when he said “I think it’s ridiculous that we’re focused on this border in Ukraine.”

The interview took place before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine but after it had amassed more than 100,000 troops along the border.

“I got to be honest with you, I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other,” he added.

The comment sparked criticism inside and outside the Republican Party, according to the Star Tribune.

Vance issued a lengthy statement days after that calling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “a tragedy.” 

“Russia’s assault on Ukraine is unquestionably a tragedy, especially the innocent people caught in the crossfire,” Vance wrote.

The statement also praised former President Trump for his “strength and diplomatic engagement that kept [Russian President Vladimir Putin] in check” during his time in the White House, and slammed President Biden for “his lack of leadership.”

The Hill reached out to Vance for comment.

Vance is vying for the Ohio Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio). The race has turned into one of the most-watched contests this midterm cycle.

Investment banker Mike Gibbons, former state Treasurer Josh Mandel, former Ohio GOP Chair Jane Timken and state Sen. Matt Dolan (R) are all running for the GOP nomination.

In a Fox News poll conducted earlier this month, Gibbons and Mandel led the field with 22 percent and 20 percent support among GOP primary voters, respectively. Vance came in third with 11 percent support.