JD Vance notches victory for Donald Trump with Republican primary win in Ohio
- JD Vance, a candidate for the US Senate who is backed by Donald Trump, won the Republican primary vote in Ohio
- Contest was seen as an early test of the former president’s sway over his party as he eyes a possible White House run in 2024
Venture capitalist JD Vance’s come-from-behind victory in a crowded Republican primary for a US Senate seat in Ohio produced another winner – former president Donald Trump and his efforts to tighten his grip on the party during midterm elections that will decide control of Congress.
Vance, making his first bid for public office, defeated six other candidates in Tuesday’s Republican primary contest defined by all but one of the leading contenders casting themselves as standard bearers of Trump’s “America First Movement”.
Analysts cautioned against reading too deeply into the outcome of one race. Trump’s endorsements will be tested in coming weeks with Republican primaries in states including Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia.
He has sought to use the election cycle as a way to bolster his status as Republican kingmaker while teasing a possible 2024 White House run.
Yet Trump showed in the Ohio primary that his endorsement could elevate Vance – who had called Trump unfit and “noxious” in 2016 and now fully embraces him and his views – from third place in the polls to victory. His influence has been on display during the primary season with candidates mimicking his style and staking claim to his legacy.
Republican strategist Mike DuHaime said Vance fought a good, smart campaign that was appealing to many of Trump’s constituencies.