Brown Wins Ohio Rematch With Progressive Activist Turner

By WILL WEISSERT and JULIE CARR SMYTH, Related Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown beat former state Sen. Nina Turner for the second time since final summer time, simply prevailing Tuesday in an Ohio main billed nationally as a key showdown between the celebration’s extra average institution and its activist progressive wing.

Brown, who had campaigned with South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, probably the most senior Black member of Congress, and as a robust ally to President Joe Biden’s home agenda, had topped Turner in July’s particular election main — and did so once more.

Primaries in Ohio and the neighboring, Rust Belt state of Indiana helped kick into excessive gear a midterm season that may see Democrats try and defend their razor-thin congressional majorities this November.

A former Democratic Occasion county chair, Brown has solely been in Congress a matter of months however got here into the rematch with the ability of incumbency. Turner, a number one surrogate for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, was endorsed by the Vermont senator and prime progressive teams, who had hoped for a second-try upset.

The Cleveland district the place Brown and Turner squared off is closely African American and solidly Democratic, making Brown closely favored to retain her seat in November’s normal election. Our Revolution, the activist group that grew out of Sanders’ first presidential run, says it devoted 150 volunteers towards boosting Turner within the race, whereas the pro-Israeli Democratic political group DMFI PAC introduced spending greater than $1 million for Brown.

“Throughout Rep. Brown’s 5 quick months in Congress, she has confirmed to be a tenacious advocate for the folks of her district and a fierce fighter for the Democratic agenda and our celebration’s values,” DMFI PAC President Mark Mellman stated in a press release. “Ohio Democrats despatched a transparent message that they need candidates who search to unite the celebration.”

Turner tweeted a video of her chanting loudly with supporters, “We gon’ be alright.” She instructed them that was her enduring message to the progressive motion.

Elsewhere, Republican Rep. Warren Davidson turned again a main problem from Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich, son of the well-known physician recognized for the anti-choking maneuver. Davidson had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump — whose backing helped writer JD Vance win the much-watched GOP main for Ohio’s open Senate seat on Tuesday — whereas Heimlich had criticized the previous president.

Trump’s assist proved priceless in different Home primaries in Ohio as effectively.

Former Trump aide Max Miller locked up the Republican nomination in a brand new district within the northeastern a part of the state regardless of being accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, former White Home press secretary Stephanie Grisham.

In the meantime, the Akron-area district the place one other Trump decide, conservative commentator Madison Gilbert gained the Republican nomination, must be one of many doubtless aggressive Home seats in November’s normal election. She’ll face state Rep. Emilia Sykes, a former Ohio Home Democratic chief and a daughter of a strong political household within the space.

Conservative activist group FreedomWorks for America vowed that Gilbert would get Congress “out from underneath the thumb of radical Leftists.”

“Gilbert is the actual deal, a indisputable fact that Ohioans have echoed with their votes tonight,” Noah Wall, FreedomWorks for America government director, stated in a press release. “We’re excited to proceed mobilizing our grassroots military on Gilbert’s behalf as she heads into the final election.”

One other powerful congressional race could possibly be coming to Cincinnati in November, when Republican Rep. Steve Chabot will face Democratic Cincinnati Metropolis Council member Greg Landsman.

Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving lady within the Home, has held her seat since 1983 and was unopposed in her main on Tuesday. 4 Republicans — together with two sitting state lawmakers — competed to take her on within the fall, nevertheless, in a newly drawn district that hugs Lake Erie and could possibly be a toss-up. The Republican main there was nonetheless too early to name.

In Indiana, former state Sen. Erin Houchin topped eight different Republicans, together with former U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel, for the celebration’s nomination within the state’s solely open Home seat and will likely be closely favored in November. GOP Rep. Trey Hollingsworth isn’t searching for reelection in his southern Indiana district as he hints at working for governor in 2024.

Weissert reported from Washington.

Comply with AP for full protection of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ap_politics.

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