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Trump-backed Republican businessman Bernie Moreno has denied Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, a fourth term, NBC News projects. Moreno’s flipping of a U.S. Senate seat deals a likely fatal blow to Democrats’ bid to remain in control of the chamber.
Moreno is a car dealer and blockchain technology entrepreneur with no experience in elected office. Five years ago, according to emails obtained by NBC News, Moreno bashed former President Donald Trump "as a ‘lunatic’ and a ‘maniac’ in correspondence with a national Republican fundraising consultant who was seeking donations.” His public comments also implied he was not a Trump fan. But he re-fashioned himself into a MAGA acolyte, and he heavily advertised Trump’s endorsement in his Republican primary campaign. He also declined to say whether he believes the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump.
Moreno’s flipping of a U.S. Senate seat deals a major blow to Democrats’ bid to remain in control of the chamber.
Moreno has defeated a Democrat once known as the quintessential Rust Belt whisperer, and his election arguably completes Ohio’s transformation from a bellwether state to a Republican stronghold. Brown has held his seat since 2006, and his incumbency was a huge deal for Democrats, since Trump ushered in a new Republican streak in the state, winning it in both 2016 and 2020 by about 8 points.
Moreno survived Brown’s attempts to take him down with ads hammering home his controversial positions on abortion. Moreno said in a town hall in September that older women who care about abortion are “a little crazy.” And he has called for national legislation restricting abortion.
Moreno is primed to be a team player in the Senate, with textbook MAGA positions on everything from immigration to “wokeness” to restoring election “integrity.” His win is a huge loss for the Democrats, as and could play a potentially decisive role in the legislative possibilities of the next government.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.