Staff Reports
In a stunning victory for the conservative movement, Republican Bernie Moreno, the chosen candidate of former President Donald Trump, emerged triumphant over state Sen. Matt Dolan in the hotly contested Ohio Senate primary. This win not only spares the former president from an embarrassing defeat in a state he handily won in 2020, but it also sets the stage for a showdown with incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown in the fall.
The Associated Press wasted no time in calling the race for Moreno, who clinched 42% of the vote, leaving Dolan trailing with 37% as a quarter of the votes were counted. This victory comes as a significant blow to Dolan, a Republican centrist who distanced himself from Trump, which understandably raised concerns about his viability as a candidate. It’s clear that Ohio Republicans have spoken loud and clear in favor of a candidate who aligns with their conservative values and is unapologetically pro-Trump.
BREAKING: Trump-backed Moreno defeats 'Old Guard' rival in bitter Ohio Senate race, reports Washington Examiner.#breaking #DonaldTrump #Ohio #NewYork pic.twitter.com/qOKmaH9thx
— Target Reporter (@Target_Reporter) March 20, 2024
Moreno’s success was buoyed by the influential endorsement from Trump himself, as well as an outpouring of support from within the Republican party. The conservative Club for Growth also chipped in with millions of dollars to bolster Moreno’s campaign, further solidifying his status as the true conservative choice for Ohio.
Despite a last-minute smear attempt involving Moreno’s work email allegedly being used for inappropriate purposes, the resilient entrepreneur weathered the storm and emerged victorious. The Republican “Old Guard” in Ohio, symbolized by Dolan’s pragmatic approach, suffered a stinging setback, signaling a desire for strong conservative leadership within the party.
Dolan’s emphasis on his electability and attempts to appeal to the base with calls for border security ultimately fell short in the face of Moreno’s unwavering support from Ohio voters. His defeat serves as a stark reminder that a lukewarm embrace of Trump’s agenda is simply not enough in today’s Republican landscape, where anti-establishment messaging reigns supreme.
The $35 million spent by the three candidates and their affiliated groups underscores the high-stakes nature of this primary, as well as the immense significance of Moreno’s victory. His journey from a luxury car dealer to a blockchain executive culminated in this pivotal win, solidifying his status as a rising conservative star in Ohio politics.
Trump’s pivotal role in Moreno’s ascent, from endorsing J.D. Vance in a previous race to ultimately backing Moreno in this primary, underscored the former president’s enduring influence within the Republican party. His rousing rally for Moreno in Dayton drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters, further cementing the narrative of a party firmly aligned with Trump’s vision for the future.
The defeat of Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who initially led the field but found himself outmatched by Moreno and Dolan’s significant financial resources, further underscores the seismic shift within the Republican party. LaRose’s focus on opposing Issue 1, a ballot measure related to abortion access, suffered a significant blow, signaling the Ohio electorate’s firm stance on pro-life issues.
In conclusion, Moreno’s resounding victory signals a clear mandate from Ohio Republicans for a bold, unapologetically conservative leader who stands firmly with President Trump. This sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown with Sherrod Brown in the fall, providing a captivating and defining moment for the future of Ohio politics.
