Former President Donald Trump has endorsed J.D. Vance in the Republican primary for Ohio's open U.S. Senate seat.
Trump was unmoved by last-ditch efforts from Vance's opponents to prevent him from giving his blessing to the venture capitalist and bestselling author.
As CNN reports:
In a statement, Trump acknowledged the difficult decision he faced in choosing to wade into the crowded primary for the seat of retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman. At least three other Trump-aligned candidates had been jockeying for his support.
“I've studied this race closely and I think J.D. is the most likely to take out the weak, but dangerous, Democrat opponent — dangerous because they will have so much money to spend,” Trump said, presumably referring to US Rep. Tim Ryan, who is likely to win the Democratic primary.
“it is time for the MAGA movement … to unite behind J.D.'s campaign because, unlike so many pretenders and wannabes, he will put America First,” he said.
Trump's endorsement comes just hours after Vance's rivals penned a letter to the former President arguing that Vance would be a weak general election candidate due to the negative comments he has previously made about Trump and his supporters. Vance was highly critical of Trump during the 2016 presidential election and openly mused about supporting then-Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Many of the former president's supporters fiercely supported his decision:
But not all were enthusiastic.
How do you feel about Vance's candidacy? And are you concerned that Democrats still have a shot at winning in increasingly red Ohio? As always, tell us below!
This is disappointing. Everyone is saying Trump learned his lesson and won’t make the same mistakes next time around, but this shows that he’s the same old Trump, hiring and endorsing people who will stab him in the back the first chance they get. I don’t get it. I’m tired of the back room deals and wish we would just support the most conservative candidate who has a chance if winning. Instead we’re endorsing the front-runner and crossing our fingers that he’ll be MAGA.