Republican candidates in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race make final push before primary

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohioans are in the final week of early voting for the state’s primary election, which includes local and statewide races, a presidential primary and a three-way Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

Recent polling shows the three Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, state Sen. Matt Dolan, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and businessman Bernie Moreno, are in a statistical dead heat. Now, all three are making stops across the state in this final stretch.

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The three candidates are fighting for the chance to take on Democrat incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown.

On Monday afternoon, Moreno made a stop in central Ohio, alongside state Sen. Michele Reynolds and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, to tell voters why he is the best fit for the job, and responded to criticism that he and his two opponents are the same.

“That is complete nonsense,” Moreno said. “I’m the only one who has ever started a business, I’m the only who has never held public office, I’m the only one who has never been on a ballot. I’m the only one who called for term limits.”

Moreno said those are just a few of the “stark” differences between himself and his opponents. He already has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, which he gained early in the race. But on Tuesday, Dolan gained Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s endorsement.

“As Ohio’s next U.S. Senator, I look forward to working with Governor DeWine and Republican leaders across the state to deliver results for Ohio and build a stronger, safer nation,” Dolan said in a statement announcing the endorsement.

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Dolan recently went on what his campaign called the #NoNonsense tour, which was intended to spotlight his opponents for their “incessant nonsense,” “negative attacks,” and “lack of focus on Ohio.”

LaRose is getting in on the last second push as well. This week, he has eight events scheduled throughout Ohio, with additional events expected to be announced.

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