Josh Mandel and J.D. Vance are leading the crowded Republican primary field to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate, according to the latest poll.
The survey, conducted by The Trafalgar Group, showed 28 percent of respondents backed Mandel, while almost 23 percent supported Vance.
Mike Gibbons, Matt Dolan, and Jane Timken all battled for a distant third place, as none of the three candidates gathered more than 15 percent of the responses.
Recent polls have shown Mandel, Vance, and Gibbons as the consistent frontrunners in the contest.
Additionally, the poll tested the response of voters, if former President Donald Trump elected to endorse a specific candidate. According to the results, approximately 55 percent of voters would be more likely to back a Trump-endorsed candidate.
While predictable, the responses in that portion of the survey could play a key role in the next few weeks of the primary. Shortly after the poll was released, former President Trump endorsed Vance.
“He’s strong on the Border, tough on Crime, understands how to use Taxes and Tariffs to hold China accountable, will fight to break up Big Tech, and has been a warrior on the Rigged and Stolen Presidential Election,” Trump said in the statement.
The new endorsement may propel Vance ahead of Mandel in the race.
“It is time for the entire MAGA movement, the greatest in the history of our Country, to unite behind J.D.’s campaign because, unlike so many other pretenders and wannabes, he will put America First. In other words, J.D. Vance has my Complete and Total Endorsement. He will not let you down. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he added.
Donald Trump Jr. has also defended Vance against attacks from “neocons” in the race, saying “JD is 100% America First.”
After the endorsement, he will likely address them in an upcoming rally in the state. He is holding the event at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Josh Mandel” by Josh Mandel.Â
