Three months before Ohio’s Republican primary, former and potential future President Donald Trump revealed Tuesday that he is endorsing Bernie Moreno in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race. Moreno is seeking to retire Democrat Sherrod Brown, and Ohio is considered one of the top picks in 2024, if not the best opportunity. Trump has spoken positively about Moreno from the beginning, including around the time the candidate announced his nomination in April.
Trump endorsed Moreno and also praised the Senate candidate in two TruthSocial posts sent at the same time Tuesday night. The first post spoke of Moreno’s success as a “highly respected businessman” and “successful political outsider,” also asserting that Moreno “will always stand up to fascist ‘crazies’ and spineless RINOS to fight the corrupt Deep State that is destroying our country.” “
There was also a warning about Brown. “Remember, we need a successful political outsider like Bernie to defeat career liberal politician Sherrod Brown, who so poorly represents Ohio and pretends to support the policies of your favorite president, Donald J. Trump, but then gets to the point. Senate and 100% of votes for the terrible policies of dishonest Joe Biden, the worst president in the history of our country. “Don’t be fooled by Sherrod Brown,” Trump wrote in the post. “He is a radical left liberal who will always let you down. He does not stand for Ohio values and never will. Bernie Moreno, on the other hand, will ALWAYS put America first.”
As Townhall reports, Moreno himself has also focused heavily on his outsider role, running a citywide advertising campaign that also touts his support for Trump and how he prioritizes securing the southern border.
Another Trump post made clear that “Bernie Moreno will be an outstanding United States Senator and has my complete and total support,” while calling on voters to unite around Moreno. “It’s time for the entire Republican Party to unite around Bernie’s Senate campaign so we can win BIG in the most important election in American history,” this post started with a mention.
The post also referenced Moreno’s ties to Trump through Republican Max Miller (R-OH), a former Trump adviser who is now a congressman and has received the former president’s endorsement. Moreno’s daughter, Emily, has been married to the congressman since August 2022.
Last April, Trump endorsed incumbent Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), who was running to replace retiring Sen. Rob Portman, another Republican. Vance gained popularity in the polls, ultimately winning the nomination in a crowded primary and general election in which he defeated former GOP Rep. Tim Ryan, his Democratic opponent. It is worth noting that Trump’s support for Moreno came much earlier this time. Last year, Moreno also competed at this prep school but dropped out early.
A miniature time later, the Trump campaign also sent out an emailed statement containing the contents of both TruthSocial posts.
Moreno posted from his X account expressing “honor and gratitude” for the endorsement.
I am honored and grateful for your support @realDonaldTrump for the United States Senate from the Great State of Ohio.
When President Trump returns to the White House, we will make America great again! pic.twitter.com/HJ9hKpex56
— Bernie Moreno (@berniemoreno) December 19, 2023
He also released a statement of support. “I couldn’t be more grateful and humbled to have President Donald Trump’s full and complete support at this pivotal moment in the campaign. He is the leader America needs most, and his first order of business in 2024 is to return to the White House. “His support clearly shows there is only one pro-Trump, America First candidate in this race,” Moreno said. “It’s time for Ohio Republicans to unite behind our campaign so we can end Sherrod Brown’s 50-year political career this fall. With a Republican Senate and President Trump back in the White House, we will make America great again!”
Moreno has the support of Vance, as well as other Republican senators, including Mike Lee of Utah and Marco Rubio of Florida. His endorsement page also mentions endorsements from ambassadors, former elected officials, other political candidates, local Republican parties and conservative organizations.
Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Sen. Matt Dolan are also running in the primary to have Brown retire. Polls showed that either of these running mates would be competitive with Brown. However, given that he now has Trump’s support, it will be interesting to see how long Moreno’s place in the polls – both in the primary and general elections – as well as his identifying identity takes. The Senate race is currently considered “Drop it off“according to forecasters.
Trump won Ohio by about 8 percentage points in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections and is still considered a popular figure in the state. Polls show it too has a wide advantage when it comes to winning his own primary in Ohio, as well as leading in a hypothetical rematch with President Joe Biden.
