Strong Support from Governor Noem
Ohio Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno received a significant endorsement from South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. In a statement released on Thursday, Governor Noem expressed her support for Moreno, emphasizing his conservative values and ability to get things done. According to Governor Noem, Moreno is the kind of candidate needed to win the upcoming Senate election in November and regain control of the Senate.
Unifying Against Sherrod Brown
Governor Noem also highlighted the need to unite behind Moreno to defeat incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown. She criticized Brown’s radical liberal views and underscored the importance of backing a strong candidate like Moreno. With early voting set to begin on February 2 and the Ohio Republican primary scheduled for March 19, the race is gaining momentum.
Brown’s Vulnerability
Sherrod Brown, one of two Democratic incumbents up for reelection in Ohio this year, is seen as a crucial target for Republicans aiming to regain the Senate majority. The Republican National Senatorial Committee has not yet allocated funding to prioritize one candidate over the others, highlighting the competitive nature of the primary. However, GOP strategists believe that Moreno, with endorsements from former President Trump, Rep. Jim Jordan, and Sen. John Barrasso, has a strong chance of winning.
Challenges for Moreno
Despite the endorsements received, Moreno’s competitors, Matt Dolan and Frank LaRose, enjoy greater name recognition. Dolan, a state senator since 2017, previously ran in the 2022 primary and was the first to challenge Brown. Moreno may need to invest his own resources to effectively communicate his endorsements and increase his visibility among Ohio voters. The primary, scheduled for March, will determine the Republican candidate who will face off against Brown in the general election.
As the race for the Ohio Senate seat intensifies, Moreno’s endorsement from Governor Noem boosts his campaign and solidifies his standing as a strong contender in the Republican primary.