Donald Trump emerged victorious this week not only in several presidential primaries across various states but also in numerous fiercely contested down-ballot races.
The triumphs of Trump-backed candidates in significant Senate and House primaries underscored the ex-president’s considerable influence within the GOP.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News shortly after clinching the Republican Senate primary in Ohio, Bernie Moreno emphasized the unparalleled potency of a Trump endorsement in contemporary political history. Riding Trump’s support, Moreno, a prominent Cleveland-based business leader, secured victory in a costly and contentious primary battle.
Expressing gratitude for Trump’s steadfast backing, Moreno hailed the endorsement as a badge of honor. His win over contenders such as state Sen. Matt Dolan and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, potentially pivotal in determining Republican prospects for regaining Senate control in November.
The Ohio Senate primary unfolded as a clash between Trump’s endorsement and the MAGA/America First faction rallying behind Moreno against the conservative establishment backing Dolan. It served as a litmus test for Trump’s grip on the Republican Party.
Trump’s return to Ohio days before the primary underscored the stakes, as Dolan rallied with endorsements from prominent figures like two-term Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and former Sen. Rob Portman. At a rally for Moreno, Trump labeled Dolan a “weak RINO” (Republican in name only).
While Trump easily secured victory in Ohio’s Republican presidential primary, Moreno’s substantial win in the fiercely contested Senate race arguably marked a more significant triumph for the former president.
Moreno attributed his victory in part to Trump’s pivotal support, emphasizing its resonance with the America First agenda. Dolan, conceding defeat, acknowledged the impact of Trump’s endorsement on Moreno’s success.
Trump’s influence extended beyond the Senate race in Ohio. His endorsement propelled state Rep. Derek Merrin to victory in the GOP primary for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, setting the stage for a showdown against Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur in November.
Veteran Republican strategist Mike Biundo underscored Trump’s pivotal role in Ohio politics, citing his ability to sway voter sentiment and secure victories for endorsed candidates.
Trump-backed candidates also prevailed in other contested races, such as the GOP House primary in Illinois and a special election in California to fill Kevin McCarthy’s vacant congressional seat.
Despite Trump’s formidable influence, his endorsement is not infallible in contested primaries, as noted by Republican strategist Ryan Williams.
In Ohio, the primary served as a litmus test of Trump’s sway over the GOP, with observers ultimately affirming the enduring weight of Trump’s endorsement among Republican voters.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News’ Jamie Vera, Deirdre Heavey, and Brooke Curto.