Former President Donald Trump visited Ohio on Saturday to advertise his chosen Senate candidates and a list of local congressional contests for the upcoming primary.
Trump began speaking shortly before 7 p.m. at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, a site he visited during his 2016 election campaign. The former president last visited Ohio in June 2021.
The rally took place 10 days before the May 3 primary in Ohio during a crowded and contested Republican Senate primary. There are seven Republicans fighting for the chance to replace retired Sen. Rob Portman.
After months of speculation about whether Trump will support the Senate race, he announced his support for candidate JD Vance just last week.
The approval drew criticism for past remarks Vance made about Trump, including text messages that reappeared from a former roommate.
This is the last of Saturday’s rally.
Ohio Republicans are receiving shouts
Trump thanked a group of Republicans for their work in Ohio, including Secretary of State Frank Larose and auditor Keith Faber. He applauded LaRose specifically for his role in the redeployment process.
He did not recognize the candidates who ran for governor this year, but referred to “that horrible governor you had” when he spoke about former Ohio Gov. John Kasic, who is running against Trump in the 2016 GOP primary. Trump also praised Ohio Republican President Bob Paduchik.
Trump advertises Vance’s support
Trump invited Vance to the stage along with his speeches, calling it the best chance for the Republican Party to keep the seat in the Ohio Senate in the hands of Republicans. He said he liked other candidates fighting Vance, but said Vance would “deliver a historic victory for America First in Ohio”.
“He’s a man who said some bad things about me,” Trump said. “He did it. But you know what, everyone else did it too. If I followed that standard, I don’t think I would support anyone in the country. “
Trump is leaving after Biden
Trump began his speech early and struck at the Biden administration over inflation and foreign policy, among other issues. He incorrectly claims that he may have won the 2020 election in Ohio by more than 8 percentage points, a result certified by state election officials.
Trump also told the crowd that Vance should be sent to the US Senate and continued to comment on “JD” throughout his speeches.
JD Vance makes his case
The crowd greeted the author and venture capitalist with a mixture of boos, shouts and chants of “JD!” He stands out as a “candidate for the first America” and looks at his positions on the US-Mexico border, technology companies and public health mandates.
More: False allegations of 2020 election dominate debate over Ohio US Senate candidates GOP
He also admitted that he was too late to embrace Trump.
“When we get to the Senate, we’ll do something,” Vance said. “No talk. No more slogans. No more politicians waving their fingers at corrupt high-tech and FBI employees. It’s time for consequences and it’s time for action. “
Candidates, elected officials take the stage before Trump’s speech
Hours before Trump had to speak, a number of Ohio Republicans who received his approval praised his leadership and criticized President Joe Biden.
U.S. Representative Mike Carey, R-Columbus, and U.S. Representative Troy Balderson, R-Zanesville, were the only Republicans in office to speak. Also on the scene were MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell – who is spreading conspiracies for the 2020 election – 7th Congressional candidate Max Miller and 13th Congressman Madison candidate Gezioto Gilbert.
“The by-elections are here … America First’s agenda is back in Washington,” Miller told the audience.
More: Delaware County Fair Hosts Trump Rally Despite Fears by Residents and Tax Authorities
The governor’s race looms over the rally
Gov. Mike DeWain was not present at the Trump rally and recently tested positive for COVID-19, but his campaign staff greeted people at the fair earlier Saturday. Those present described the governor as a “Republican by name only” and criticized his reaction to the pandemic.
“As long as they take out DeWine, I’m good with that,” Dayton resident Steve Callahan told the race.
DeWine opponents hope to take advantage of this disappointment. Former US official Jim Renachi was at the rally, and Canal Winchester farmer Joe Blystone filled the fairgrounds with billboards.
House divided
A Lebanese couple attending today’s Trump rally is divided over the Ohio Senate race. Christie Bessie said she leaned towards Mandel and accused Vance of turning to Trump. Her husband, Wallace, is a Vance supporter.
The two will hear both candidates speak at upcoming events and will base their final decision on this.
“I don’t want anyone in the queue for someone else’s name,” said Christy Bessie.
The only candidate for the Vance Senate at the Trump rally
Former Treasurer Josh Mandel, former Ohio Republican Speaker Jane Timken, investment banker Mike Gibbons and US Senator Matt Dolan were not present at Saturday’s rally. The Gibbons campaign held an event outside the fair earlier in the day.
The four are facing Vance in the May 3 primary to replace retired Senator Rob Portman, hoping to gain the support of the former president.
Trump supports LaRose as Ohio’s secretary of state
Just before his rally in Ohio on Saturday, Trump sent a statement supporting Ohio Secretary of State Frank Larose for re-election. LaRose also announced its support for JD Vance in the Republican primary for the US Senate.
Also: Ohio Secretary of State Frank Larose is making a politically right turn in 2022
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