Moreno, a wealthy car dealer endorsed by the former president, will be the GOP’s nominee to take on the formidable Sen. Sherrod Brown.
THE DAILY BEAST
After a primary fight filled with bruising attacks and salacious allegations, wealthy businessman Bernie Moreno won the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in Ohio, setting up the hardcore Donald Trump acolyte for an epic clash with Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
According to the Associated Press, Moreno defeated two formidable GOP rivals, deep-pocketed state Sen. Matt Dolan and Secretary of State Frank LaRose, in Tuesday’s primary election, the only highly competitive GOP contest for a top Senate race this year.
While Dolan kept the race somewhat close—performing well in the state’s suburban areas—Moreno successfully galvanized the MAGA coalition that has powered the GOP to recent wins in Ohio.
Though the primary was expensive and hard-fought, it will likely pale in comparison to the battle between Moreno and Brown, which could easily decide control of the U.S. Senate. Even as Democrats attempt to defend seats in Montana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania this year, Ohio could command the most money and attention.
Trump and his allies are fully bought in on the GOP’s horse in this race, for better or for worse. Moreno, who made his fortune as a car dealer in Cleveland, was endorsed by Trump, as well as Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH). (Moreno briefly ran against Vance in the 2022 GOP primary before dropping out and endorsing him.)
Dolan, who also ran in that 2022 race as a Trump-skeptical voice, found his brand of non-MAGA Republicanism rejected yet again by Ohio voters.
In the days before the primary election, Trump and his allies mobilized for Moreno on the ground. At a Dayton rally with Vance and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Trump called Moreno an “America first champion” who will be a “warrior in Washington.” Arizona Senate candidate and Trump devotee Kari Lake spent Monday in Ohio stumping for Moreno.
