Josh Mandel, a leading contender to win the nomination in the U.S. Senate Republican primary battle in Ohio, expressed confidence this week that victory was within his grasp as he campaigned with General Michael Flynn, an ally of Donald Trump.
But for Mandel, Flynn was a consolation prize. In a contest that has been defined by which candidate could prove the most fealty to the former president, Mandel has lost the golden ticket: Trump’s endorsement.
More than 40 Republican officials wrote to Trump earlier this month urging him to not endorse Vance, arguing that his history of criticizing Trump would be fodder for his Democratic opponent and discourage Republican turnout in the November general election. After the event, Vance told Reuters that Trump’s endorsement has had “a profound effect on the race.” Vance and Trump Jr. held a fundraiser before the event that raised $50,000, an aide said.A poll conducted by the Trafalgar Group shortly before Trump’s endorsement found Mandel in the lead with 28% of the vote and Vance behind at 22%. But more than half of respondents said an endorsement by Trump would make them more likely to support that candidate.
Vance's “Hillbilly Elegy” was a best-seller that documented the descent of factory towns in states like Ohio into poverty and drug abuse. He has styled himself as angry populist in the Trumpian mold, focusing on issues such as trade and immigration. Mandel, an ex-U.S. Marine and former state treasurer, had been considered the front-runner for much of the race and had long sought Trump’s blessing. He has enthusiastically backed Trump’s bogus claim that the 2020 election was stolen by Biden.
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