U.S. Senate race in Ohio: Poll shows close Republican primary

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Republican primary for Ohio's U.S. Senate race could be headed toward a photo finish, according to a new poll.

On March 19, state Sen. Matt Dolan, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose or businessman Bernie Moreno will be selected as the Republican Party's nominee in the primary race for Senate. The winner will go against incumbent Sherrod Brown in the general election on Nov. 5.

Here are developments from the past week.

Congressman endorses Moreno

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) endorsed Moreno, who has racked a great deal of support from elected officials nationally since receiving the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

"The path to Republicans retaking control of the U.S. Senate runs through Ohio," Donalds said. "That is why it is critical that we nominate the RIGHT candidate."

Trump has previously named Donalds as one of the vice president picks on his shortlist.

LaRose questioned on affiliation

LaRose came under question from Republicans including Moreno and Donald Trump Jr. for his alleged ties to No Labels, a political organization with the mission of supporting centrism and bipartisanship.

An alleged email leak showed a Zoom call between LaRose and the group was set for Tuesday but that LaRose never showed up. LaRose's campaign denied the rumors. When reached out to multiple times by NBC4 for clarification, the campaign did not respond.

Poll shows Republicans in a dead heat

A SurveyUSA poll sponsored by The Center for Election Science showed how close the race may be. With a credibility interval (SurveyUSA's margin of error equivalent) of 4.3%, the candidates were rated as:

• Moreno: 29%
• Dolan: 27%
• LaRose: 21%
• Undecided: 23%

Republicans debate for third time

The Republican candidates met on the debate stage in Cincinnati. With their opening remarks, LaRose and Moreno attempted to paint themselves as the only real conservative in the race.

"They're both desperate to convince you that they're conservatives," LaRose said. "I think you know better."

"Do you want a senator that's going to have President Trump's back, that has his endorsement, or do you want the Nikki Haley, Liz Cheney, Mitt Romney wing of the party?" Moreno said.

Dolan instead focused on his record.

"I'm running for the Senate because I want to continue to do what I've done in my public and private sector life," Dolan said. "That is, work hard every day for you. Because I know when Ohio feels better, our businesses are better, education is better, our streets are safer."

During the debate, LaRose discussed his response to those who say the economy is in a good spot under President Joe Biden.

"Good for who? Maybe if you're somebody that lives off of a stock portfolio or a trust fund, this economy is OK," LaRose said.

After painting his opponents as anti-Trump in his opening remarks, Moreno doubled down on his support of the former president.

"President Trump's a good man," Moreno said. "This idea that I support his policies but not the personality, it's a bunch of BS that is media talking points."

On border security, Dolan presented a drastic strategy.

"We have a patient that's bleeding out at the table, and they want to talk about cosmetic surgery," Dolan said. "You have to stop immigration from coming into this country until we are prepared to protect this country."

Dolan launches tour

Dolan began a five-day, 16-stop "No Nonsense" Tour. According to a campaign release, the tour will spotlight Brown, LaRose, and Moreno for their "incessant nonsense," "negative attacks" and "lack of focus on Ohio."

The tour will also highlight Dolan's conservative record and feature new endorsements.

Brown group announces fundraising

Friends of Sherrod Brown announced that the campaign had raised nearly $5.7 million in the first two months of 2024. In early February, campaign finance reports showed Brown was stocking up on funds before the general election.

“The gaggle of out-of-touch rich guys vying to take on Sherrod is no match for the thousands of supporters behind his re-election,” said Rachel Petri, Friends of Sherrod Brown campaign manager.

Former senator from Ohio endorses Dolan

Dolan announced that he had gained the endorsement of former U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and his wife Jane Portman. Portman preceded Sen. J.D. Vance as Ohio's senator opposite Brown until his retirement in 2023.

"After much consideration, we feel that Matt Dolan’s conservative record of accomplishment and his commitment to continue to focus on achieving results in the U.S. Senate set him apart," the Portmans said in a statement.

Senator endorses Moreno

Indiana gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Sen. Mike Braun endorsed Moreno.

"We need more entrepreneurs and outsiders in Washington that will put America First," Braun said in a post on X.