The first multistate contest of the 2022 midterms is unfolding on Tuesday. Voters from Ohio are picking nominees for their governor and senate. And those from Indiana are considering how conservative their legislation should be.
2022 midterms start in two US states
The election season in Ohio is instrumental in providing a fresh window on Trump’s sway over the people. He has been highly involved in the state’s Senate primary. On the other hand, a potential threat to incumbent US Rep Shontel Brown’s position in Cleaveland is in high focus. Brown and former state senator Nina Turners are rematching after Turner lost to Brown in the 2021 special elections.
Who is going to survive Ohio’s senate primary?
In Tuesday’s Republican faceoff, seven candidates are on the ballot for the coveted seat of the US Senate, following the retirement of Republican Rob Portman. They are JD Vance, an author highly endorsed by Trump, Josh Mandel, former Ohio treasurer, Investment banker Mike Gibbons, Jane Timken, a former Ohio Republican Chair, State Sen. Matt Dolan, and entrepreneurs Niel Patel and Mark Pukira. For months, the campaign has been featuring jockeying for Trump’s endorsement. It includes over $65 million in advertisements, several forums, debates, and a highly publicized confrontation between two characters. Whoever prevails will be facing the winner of a three-way Democratic primary. It is between the 10-term US Representative Tim Ryan, Columbus activist and tech executive Traci Johnson, and, former consumer protection lawyer Morgan Harper.
As Vance is riding high on the former President’s endorsements, others who campaigned on their loyalty to Trump are hoping that their efforts and high spending can help them win the 2022 midterms. While Dolan ran as a centrist like Portman, he lost Portman’s endorsement to Timken. Previously, Trump won Ohio twice with over eight percentage points. Hence, several are starting to consider his nod as an important push for winning the Senate race. However, when Trump chose the “Hillbilly Elegy” author, it divided the state as Vance’s opponents have been airing ads highlighting his previous anti-Trump statements.
Ohio’s gubernatorial race and the conservative nature of Indiana’s legislature
The race for the governor’s position is another important part of the 2022 midterms. Democrat Nan Whaley is aiming to be the first woman in the state to get a nomination from a major party. Additionally, the former Dayton major is locked with ex-Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley in a tight race. Cranley is highly endorsed by Gloria Steinem, a feminist icon. On the other hand, Whaley has top Democrat, US Senator Sherrod Brow’s backing. Moreover, they are seeing eye-to-eye on major issues such as abortion rights, guns, and social justice. However, Whaley has repeatedly pointed out that Cranley was pro-choice recently. Currently, neither of them is a household name in Ohio but, both are struggling to draw attention.
On the other hand, over a dozen Indiana House members are trying to hold off primary Republican challengers that are arguing that the legislature is not aggressive on issues trying to ban abortions. According to them, they are tapping into frustration among conservatives who are hoping to push the legislature further towards the right. It is important to remember that it is a state where Republicans are controlling all statewide offices. Moreover, they have spent over a decade with a supermajority in Indiana. However, their stances are not practical according to the Republican leaders.