Trump-endorsed Moreno triumphs over traditional foe in contentious Ohio Senate clash
A Trump-Backed Triumph: Bernie Moreno Wins Ohio Senate Primary
In a twist defining Ohio’s political theatre, Bernie Moreno, the candidate championed by former President Donald Trump, sealed a decisive victory in the Republican Senate primary. It’s a major win both for Moreno and for Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party.
The Battle for Ohio: Moreno vs. Dolan
As the race heated up, it seemed poised to be a nail-biter. Yet, on Tuesday night, the anticipation was cut short as Moreno emerged with a commanding lead that continued to grow past the halfway mark of the vote count.
With over half the votes tallied, Moreno’s lead extended well beyond expectations, securing 50% to Matt Dolan’s 33%—an unexpectedly wide margin. Frank LaRose trailed even further behind in third place.
Dolan, a self-branded moderate Republican who had cautiously distanced himself from Trump’s shadow, was seen jockeying for the top position. Still, his centrist stance and endorsement from longstanding GOP figures like Governor Mike DeWine didn’t resonate as much with the Republican base in Ohio.
Trump’s Endorsement: The Game Changer
The final stretch of the campaign saw Moreno gaining momentum, thanks in part to Trump’s endorsement and support from influential conservative groups like the Club for Growth. His experience as a successful businessman also resonated with voters looking for leadership skills.
Even a last-ditch controversy—a former intern using Moreno’s work email for an inappropriate prank—didn’t deter voters from throwing support behind him.
A Blow to Establishment Republicans
Moreno’s triumph signals a clear shift within the Ohio Republican landscape, as candidates emblematic of the “Old Guard” and their practical politics fall out of favor. Dolan’s traditionalist approach and establishment backing fell flat against the surge for Trump-aligned contenders.
Democrats, noting this tilt, strategically amplified Moreno’s profile during the primary, betting on his vulnerability in a statewide face-off against the well-regarded incumbent, Democrat Sherrod Brown.
Dolan’s Strategy Falls Short
Despite adjusting his message to appeal more directly to the Republican base—with a strong focus on border security—Dolan’s evidence-backed claim of being the more electable candidate ultimately couldn’t sway the primary electorate.
Dolan’s substantial investment in his campaign and emphasis on early voting were insufficient against the enthusiasm drummed up for Moreno, who showed significant improvement since his previous bid.
By the end of the race, a staggering $35 million had been spent by the candidates and their supporting groups, underscoring the high stakes of the primary showdown.
The Path Forward
Moreno, a self-made entrepreneur in the luxury auto industry and blockchain sector, has been strategizing his political ascent for years. His 2022 Senate bid was cut short, but a strategic withdrawal and backing from Trump this time around proved pivotal.
Trump’s endorsement continues to be a formidable political force, as evidenced by his sway over the success of candidates like Moreno and previously, Sen. J.D. Vance.
The former president’s recent rally in support of Moreno attracted a massive crowd, reaffirming the weight of his backing in Republican races.
What Lies Ahead
While LaRose, the recognizable state election officer, started strong, he was ultimately outpaced by Moreno and Dolan’s more considerable monetary commitments to their campaigns.
LaRose’s campaign took a hit after his staunch opposition to an abortion access ballot measure was met with a contrary response from Ohio voters, foreshadowing perhaps the contentious nature of abortion rights debates in upcoming elections.
The Republican primary might be over, but the campaign trail is only heating up as Moreno sets his sights on the general election. This November, Ohioans will make another crucial decision—one that could shift the balance of the U.S. Senate.
For an in-depth look at the implications of this primary outcome, click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
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