On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump places his endorsement record on the line in a pivotal Ohio U.S. Senate race. Bernie Moreno, Trump’s favored candidate, contends fiercely against two other Republicans, Ohio State Senator Matt Dolan and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
While Trump’s endorsements have largely proven successful in solidly Republican areas, his track record in competitive states is more mixed. In 2022, several high-profile candidates endorsed by Trump lost general elections in states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona, potentially affecting GOP Senate majority prospects.
During a Saturday rally at the Dayton airport, Trump urged Moreno to secure victory, emphasizing the significance of his endorsement. Dolan, a more conventional Republican, has seen a late surge in polls and enjoys endorsements from notable Ohio Republicans, including Governor Mike DeWine.
The Republican primary winner will face incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, highlighting the enduring divisions within the GOP between traditionalists and Trump’s Make America Great Again movement.
Trump labeled Moreno as the MAGA candidate while denouncing Dolan as a “Republican In Name Only” (RINO), drawing comparisons to Senator Mitt Romney. The outcome of the primary will reflect Ohio GOP voters’ stance on Trump’s preferred candidate versus a more established Republican figure.
Some Ohio Republicans question whether a Trump-aligned candidate like Moreno can secure victory in a general election, fearing alienation of moderate and independent voters. Despite Trump’s boasting about endorsements, his track record in competitive states remains variable.
While many Democrats hope for Moreno’s nomination, perceiving him as an easier opponent for Brown, Trump’s endorsement underscores his continued influence within the Republican base. Without Trump’s backing, Moreno’s viability in the primary would be in question.
As the race unfolds in this crucial swing state, the pivotal question remains: Will Trump’s endorsement translate into victory on Tuesday?
