Democrats weigh chances in Ohio Senate race
by Max Greenwood - 06/04/22 5:58 AM ET
Democrats are grappling with a major strategic decision: how aggressively to pursue the open Senate seat in Ohio.
On one hand, party leaders and strategists say there’s reason to be hopeful. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), their nominee to succeed retiring Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), is a prolific fundraiser with an adept ability to appeal to the state’s blue-collar voters.
Recent polling shows him virtually deadlocked with his Republican rival J.D. Vance, the author and venture capitalist who carries the endorsement of former President Trump.
But Democrats are also acutely aware of Ohio’s rightward shift in recent years. Trump carried the state twice, in 2016 and 2020, and aside from former President Obama and Sen. Sherrod Brown, no Democrat has won statewide in Ohio since 2006.
“I’m just not so sure it’s a swing state anymore,” one national Democratic strategist said. “It’s not a lost cause, by any means. Tim Ryan is a solid, solid candidate. But when you take a look at where to put resources, Ohio is a tough call.”
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https://thehill.com/news/campaign/3511397-democrats-weigh-chances-in-ohio-senate-race/
