Trump reportedly endorsing JD Vance in Ohio Senate race
Hillbilly Elegy author is trailing in the Republican primary to replace Senator Rob Portman
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former president Donald Trump is reportedly planning to endorse author JD Vance in the Republican primary for Ohio’s Senate race according to NBC News.
Three sources told NBC News that the former president plans to endorse the Hillbilly Elegy author and called advisers to get their opinion. But he also faced pressure from the campaigns of former Ohio treasurer Josh Mandel and former Ohio Republican Party Chairwoman Jane Timken.
Republican Representative Jim Jordan reportedly lobbied Mr Trump on behalf of Mr Mandel. The Trump office is said to have already had an endorsement written up but a source close to Mr Mandel’s campaign said that it showed an internal poll that showed that Mr Mandel was in the lead with 33 per cent of the vote while Ms Timken and Mr Vance were tied for third place at 9 per cent each.
The poll also showed that even with Mr Trump’s vote, Mr Vance would only have 15 per cent of the vote. Mr Trump reportedly worried about Mr Vance’s previous criticisms in 2016 and the fact Mr Vance is polling so low.
“Nothing is final until it’s final. So Trump can always change his mind,” one source reportedly told NBC News and added that Mr Trump could change his endorsement. “But he already kicked the tires on everyone and he’s ready to go with Vance. It’s either Vance or nobody. And it’s only nobody if somehow the other campaigns can get him to hold off.”
Ohio’s Senate primary to replace retiring Senator Rob Portman is on May 3.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments