Bernie Moreno emerged as the winner of the Ohio GOP Senate primary, according to projections by The Associated Press. The race was closely watched as it tested the influence of former President Trump’s endorsement. Moreno’s victory over Republican State Sen. Matt Dolan and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is seen as a potential opportunity for Republicans to flip the seat.
Throughout the contentious GOP primary, Moreno positioned himself as an outsider who would carry forward the MAGA agenda, in contrast to Dolan, whom he accused of being more liberal than Mitt Romney. Moreno, who was endorsed by Trump in December, emphasized the importance of supporting Trump’s policies and criticized Republicans who claimed to support his policies but did not like the man himself.
Dolan, on the other hand, received endorsements from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and former Sen. Rob Portman, positioning himself as a candidate who would support Trump’s agenda while maintaining a more moderate approach. He highlighted his record of cutting taxes and reducing regulations, arguing that he had actually implemented Trump’s policies in Ohio.
LaRose, who also endorsed Trump, attempted to distinguish himself as the only true conservative in the race. He criticized Moreno for his past positions on gun control and abortion and labeled Dolan a RINO (Republican in name only) due to his voting record. Despite being outspent by Moreno and Dolan, LaRose emphasized his conservative record and positioned himself as the strongest candidate against Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown.
The Ohio Senate race between Brown and Moreno will have significant implications for which party takes control of the U.S. Senate in November. Democrats currently hold a slim majority, but Republicans are optimistic about their chances in the 2024 elections, with Democrats defending more seats in red states. Trump and his allies have already started attacking Brown as out of touch with Ohio voters and a rubber stamp for President Biden.
Overall, the Ohio GOP Senate primary showcased the divisions within the Republican Party and the ongoing influence of Trump. Moreno’s victory sets the stage for a competitive race against Brown, with Republicans hoping to capitalize on Ohio’s conservative leanings and Trump’s popularity in the state.
