Cleveland businessman Bernie Moreno is projected to win the tightly contested Republican primary for Ohio’s Senate race.
With the backing of former President Donald Trump, Moreno managed to beat State Senator Matt Dolan and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose in Tuesday’s primary race. The seat is widely viewed by political analysts as a solid opportunity for a Republican flip in November.
Dolan ran with the backing of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and former Senator Rob Portman, both of whom are viewed as part of the state’s Republican establishment. While Dolan has frequently voiced support for Trump’s policies, he attempted to distance himself from the former president’s character and rhetoric at numerous points during the campaign.
“I’m the only one in this race that’s cut taxes and reduced regulations. Who else has done that? Donald Trump,” Dolan told Fox News on the eve of the primary. “Everyone wants to talk about Donald Trump’s endorsement. I’m the only one who’s actually done Donald Trump policies because it helps Ohio.”
Dolan was the only candidate in the race who had not endorsed Trump in the general election. “His personality? It’s not me. His political style? It’s not me,” he said of the