Ohio Republicans voted to nominate Governor Mike DeWine to represent them in November’s general election, with the governor holding off two primary challengers, former Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH) and Joe Blystone. DeWine was the target of fierce opposition from Ohio conservatives regarding the shutdowns and orders he issued during the first few months of the coronavirus pandemic. But those contentions appear to have been mended.
Furthermore, the victory comes less than one month after DeWine approved legislation to make Ohio the 23rd constitutionally bound state of the Union.
In the Democratic primary for governor, ex-Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley won her race against former Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley.
DeWine, however, is expected to prevail in the general election, due to the fact that Democrats haven't been able to win the governorship of Ohio in more than 16 years. As of 2020, experts do not consider Ohio as an election swing state.
But Republican Governors Association Executive Director Dave Rexrode made an official statement after Whaley's win and emphasized the importance of supporting DeWine in November. According to him, after a tumultuous election, which saw Nan Whaley back extreme progressive policies and then shift away from mainstream Ohio beliefs, it's now more apparent than ever that Mike DeWine is the best choice to steer Ohio ahead. Rexrode asserted that Whaley was a failure as Dayton’s mayor. “Governor DeWine assisted the state in overcoming life challenges to create an improved future for all Ohioans, and we hope to see him winning another term in the…fall.”
Another major race will take place on Tuesday evening in Ohio with a very crowded Republican field vying for Rob Portman's (R-OH) vacant Senate seat, after the senator decided last year not to run for reelection, inciting a “partisan gridlock.”
Ohio's GOP primary includes author J.D. Vance (endorsed by former President Donald Trump), former Ohio treasurer Josh Mandel, the Cleveland Guardians owner's son Matt Dolan, businessman Mike Gibbons, and former Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken. J.D. Vance is projected to be the winner of this year's Republican Senate primaries in Ohio.
