President Donald Trump faces a test of his political influence this week, as the Ohio Republican Party prepares to vote on a nominee to face Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, in the upcoming election.
Although four-term congressman Jim Renacci has Trump’s support, his nomination isn’t assured. Cleveland-based businessman Mike Gibbons joined the race in May, and looked to be the presumptive nominee after Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel backed out unexpectedly, until Trump and the GOP establishment picked Renacci, who was previously running for Ohio governor.
"It’s not like if it was Mandel versus Gibbons; Mandel had run three times statewide, and he was popular with grassroots. Gibbons didn’t have a chance. But against Renacci? We’ll see," an unnamed veteran Ohio GOP operative told The Washington Examiner.
"With Gibbons, I’ve been pretty impressed with what they’ve been able to do on [the] ground. If he has resources, let's see. How much will [the] White House get involved in [the] primary?"
"Gibbons’ time investment on the ground is not to be ignored," an anonymous GOP strategist with ties to Ohio told the Examiner. "Renacci — I bet he’s got his work cut out for him on this vote."
The Ohio Republican Party is set to endorse one of the candidates on Friday, when the state central committee meets to vote. According to Gibbons’ supporters, Renacci didn’t have the votes as of Tuesday. However, the congressman’s backers are confident his victory is almost assured.
"I don’t know what the tally is going to be Friday, but I’d be shocked if Renacci isn’t overwhelmingly endorsed," another GOP strategist with links to Ohio said.
"While I don’t know the vote count, I suspect Jim Renacci almost certainly has the votes," an unnamed central committee member supporting the congressman added.