Staff Reports
The 2022 Ohio Senate primary race is heating up as two Republicans, J.D. Vance and Matt Dolan, battle it out for a chance to take on Democratic incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown in November. And guess who’s right in the middle of it all? That’s right, former President Donald Trump.
Ohio Senate primary tests strength of Trump endorsement https://t.co/5mNlFCHFbv
— David Sivak (@DISivak) March 19, 2024
It’s clear that Trump’s endorsement holds a ton of weight in the Republican Party. Just take a look at J.D. Vance, who soared to the top of the pack after receiving Trump’s stamp of approval. Now, entrepreneur Bernie Moreno is hoping to do the same as he vies for Trump’s support in the primary race. But it’s not going to be a cakewalk for Moreno, as he’s facing tough competition from state senator Matt Dolan, who has distanced himself from Trump.
This primary has become a showdown between the old-school GOP centrists and the Trump-loving new wave of Republicans. Dolan represents the former, while Moreno is firmly in the latter camp. It’s like a battle for the soul of the Republican Party, and Trump’s endorsement is the ultimate prize. A win for Moreno would solidify Trump’s grip on the party, but if he falls short, it would be a major blow to Trump’s influence.
Both candidates have been duking it out in the polls, with Moreno and Dolan jockeying for the lead. Dolan seems unfazed by the recent polls showing him trailing Moreno, chalking it up to the ups and downs of campaigning. Meanwhile, Moreno has been pointing fingers at Dolan’s family fortune, blaming it for the tight race and launching attacks against Dolan’s campaign tactics.
But Moreno has more than just Trump in his corner. He’s got the backing of the influential conservative group, the Club for Growth, and a slew of Republican bigwigs, including South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, have been rallying for him. Even J.D. Vance has voiced his confidence in Moreno, predicting a big win for him in the final stretch.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing for Moreno. Dolan still has a shot at snatching the victory, especially with a sizable chunk of undecided voters up for grabs. And Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is throwing his weight behind Dolan, touting him as the best candidate to take on the Democratic incumbent in November.
This primary has turned into a high-stakes showdown, with Trump’s endorsement looming large over the race. The recent rally outside of Dayton, where Trump and his supporters rallied for Moreno, showcased the immense sway the former president holds over the Republican base. Trump’s call to arms to get out and vote for his endorsed candidates clearly struck a chord with his loyal followers.
As the battle rages on, the divide between the candidates is clear. Dolan has attempted to straddle the line on Trump, expressing support for his policies while distancing himself from the former president’s demeanor. On the flip side, Moreno has gone all-in on the Trump train, taking jabs at Dolan and firmly aligning himself with the Trumpian wing of the party.
In the end, this primary isn’t just about Ohio. It’s a reflection of the larger tug-of-war within the Republican Party between the establishment and the Trump loyalists. And with Trump’s endorsement at stake, the outcome of this primary could have far-reaching implications for the future of the GOP.
