Bernie Moreno, a Cleveland businessman, secured victory in the Republican primary for the US Senate seat in Ohio. The result marks a triumph for former President Donald Trump, who backed his support for Moreno in December.
Moreno's win over two rivals, including Matt Dolan, supported by Governor Mike DeWine and former Senator Rob Portman, showcases Donald Trump's influence in Ohio's GOP.
Trump's history of victories and support for Senator J.D. Vance has transformed the state's Republican landscape, reported Axios.
Moreno is set to go head-to-head with Democrat Sherrod Brown in November in what's anticipated to be a closely contested race with the potential to shift the balance of power in the Senate.
Moreno quickly turned his attention to Brown in his Tuesday night victory speech.
"We have an opportunity now to retire the old commie ... and to save this country," he said.
Democratic lawmakers are also putting effort in to promote Trump-backed Bernie Moreno in the Ohio GOP Senate primary.
Brown, known as one of the Senate's most populist, nationalist, and protectionist Democrats, faces the challenge of winning over a significant number of working-class Trump supporters to maintain his position.
The Democrat is aiming for support from Ohio Republicans similar to Nikki Haley, who prioritizes issues such as protecting abortion rights, defending democracy, and supporting Ukraine, revealed Politico Playbook.
Brown also had choice words from Moreno when he took to X to post the "choice ahead of Ohio is clear,"
"Bernie Moreno has spent his career and campaign putting himself first, and would do the same if elected."
Brown stands ready with $13.5 million in cash and unyielding Democratic support despite Ohio's conservative tilt during his term of office since 2007.
As of the end of February, Moreno's campaign holds nearly $2.4 million in cash, with $1.2 million coming from a personal loan he extended to his campaign.
The race will be among the most expensive and closely watched nationwide, said Axios.
