U.S. Senate: Bernie Moreno projected to win Republican nomination, face Sen. Sherrod Brown
County by County Results Athens County Coshocton County Crawford County Delaware County Fairfield County Fayette County Franklin County Guernsey County Hardin County Hocking County Knox County Licking County Madison County Marion County Morgan County Morrow County Noble County Perry County Pickaway County Pike County Ross County Union County
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Republicans selected Cleveland businessman Bernie Moreno on Tuesday night in Ohio’s primary election for U.S. Senate, reaffirming party support for former President Donald Trump.
The Associated Press projected Moreno as the winner, citing unofficial results. The win sets up a matchup with Sherrod Brown, the incumbent Democrat, on Nov. 5. It’s expected to be one of the most watched Senate races of the year, potentially deciding which party will control the chamber.
The victory serves as a win for Trump and his base, which had coalesced around Moreno after a December endorsement. State Sen. Matt Dolan had distanced himself from Trump during his campaign, and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose failed to earn his support.
Full coverage of major central Ohio races
Moreno expressed his full-throated support for Trump, going so far as to criticize those who say they support the former president’s policies but not his personality. Three days before the election, Trump came to Ohio to attend a rally with Moreno.
Moreno ran on border security and getting career politicians out of Washington. He branded himself as an outsider, posing a contrast from Dolan and LaRose.
Although Moreno’s win is a victory for Trump, it could also be seen as a victory for Brown and Democrats. Polling shows Moreno doesn’t fare well against the incumbent. The Democratic Party seems to be aware of this, as a super PAC with ties to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer funded pro-Moreno ads in the days leading up to the primary.
Dolan serves as chair of the finance committee in the state Senate and is part of the family that owns the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball. He ran on border security and consistency.
LaRose oversees state elections and appoints board of elections members in each of Ohio’s 88 counties, among his other duties as secretary of state. He ran on issues like the border, abortion and gun rights.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
