On a vibrant Saturday in Ohio, former President Donald Trump made a significant appearance to support his preferred candidate for the Senate as the intense Republican primary in this key battleground state draws to a close.
Trump urged the audience to support businessman Bernie Moreno in his bid for the GOP nomination. Moreno is competing against Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Sen. Matt Dolan. The victor of Tuesday’s primary will challenge Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in a high-stakes, closely watched race that could tip the balance of power in the Senate.
Trump’s visit to Ohio wasn’t just about the Senate race. He seized the opportunity to energize his base in a state he secured by a comfortable margin in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. He expressed frustration over his legal challenges, criticized President Joe Biden, and advocated for elections to be held on a single day, despite Ohio Republicans’ push for early voting in 2024.
Trump ominously warned of dire consequences if he isn’t elected, promising to implement tariffs on foreign-made cars. He also repeated baseless claims against immigrants, describing some accused of crimes in dehumanizing terms.
Trump had thrown his support behind Moreno back in December, expecting to propel him to the forefront of the race. However, as the primary nears its conclusion, the candidates are embroiled in a tight contest, leaving many Republicans undecided. This has led to a scramble among Moreno’s and Trump’s allies to secure a victory for Moreno.
Trump praised Moreno as a political outsider dedicated to enriching Ohio communities and described him as a respected figure nationwide who would fight tirelessly in Washington.
Before Trump took the stage, Moreno criticized his opponents, advocating for the deportation of all undocumented immigrants and the dissolution of the Department of Education. Other speakers, including Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, highlighted Moreno’s alignment with Trump’s agenda.
Moreno addressed the crowd with fervor, declaring the primary as the final struggle against the establishment in Ohio. He called for decisive action to prioritize America’s interests.
Trump’s visit has undoubtedly intensified the already heated primary contest. Although independent polling has been sparse, recent surveys indicate a close race between Moreno and Dolan, with many voters still undecided. Despite having the highest name recognition, LaRose’s campaign seems to be faltering, while Dolan gains momentum and secures notable endorsements.
Trump focused his criticism on Dolan, attacking his stance on gun reform and border security. He also criticized Dolan’s family for changing the Cleveland Guardians’ mascot, though Dolan clarified he doesn’t manage the team’s day-to-day operations.
Trump disparaged Dolan as a “weak RINO” attempting to emulate Mitt Romney, whom he sarcastically referred to as Dolan’s hero. Unlike Moreno and LaRose, Dolan has not endorsed Trump, stating his support for Trump’s policies rather than his personality.
Dolan encouraged voters who appreciated Trump’s policies to consider him, highlighting his achievements in Ohio that align with those policies.
For more information on the Republican primary candidates in Ohio, click or tap the provided links.
Haley BeMiller, a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, contributed to this coverage, serving various news organizations across Ohio.