Columbus — Late Monday, former President Donald Trump endorsed state Rep. Derek Merrin in a hotly contested northwest Ohio congressional district over a Republican who Trump's closest associate called “a rock-solid conservative.”
After campaigning in Ohio for Cleveland businessman Bernie Moreno, his Senate candidate, Trump made his decision 18 hours before the primary election.
“Derek Merrin is an incredible America First Patriot who is running for Congress in Ohio’s 9th District against a RINO, Craig Riedel, who is no friend of MAGA,” Trump tweeted on Truth Social. Derek will fight hard to secure our border, stop inflation, support our military and vets, and protect our always-under siege Second Amendment as your next Congressman.
Merrin, 38, was chosen by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to challenge Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur, 77, the longest-serving woman in Congress, in year. Kaptur is among the weakest Democrats in the country. Merrin led an intraparty rebellion in the Ohio House last year following a contentious speakership dispute, drawing statewide attention
Johnson hired Merrin after Riedel's criticism of Trump raised doubts about his electability in a state that's twice backed Trump for president. That happened in December, so why didn't Trump weigh in earlier?
Riedel's campaign just aired an ad calling Merrin “a top henchman” to then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder. The greatest state bribery scam in history resulted in Householder's 20-year prison sentence in June. The ad says “speculation swirls Merrin could be charged next.”
Trump broke with his greatest Ohio buddy, Rep. Jim Jordan, to support Merrin. Jordan initially endorsed Riedel and remained so following Trump's statements.
Jordan stated, “Craig Riedel is a rock-solid conservative who knows parents know what is best for their children. He will defend the Second Amendment, lower taxes, slash spending, and promote family values.
Trump's 11th-hour entry is the latest surprise in a primary distinguished by quick entries and exits, candidate gaffes, and bouncing endorsements. Johnson, Jordan, and Republican senator JD Vance once supported three candidates.
Vance endorsed the party's 2022 nominee, J.R. Majewski, but he withdrew earlier this month after being criticized for a podcast that denigrated Special Olympics competitors.
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