From the Liveblog of
Monday, April 4, 2022
Ted Cruz endorses Jewish candidate Josh Mandel in Ohio’s crowded GOP Senate primary
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Texas Senator Ted Cruz endorses former Ohio treasurer Josh Mandel in the heated Republican primary for an open US Senate seat, a potentially critical campaign boost just as early voting is set to begin in the Midwestern battleground.
Cruz’s decision could be particularly valuable among conservative voters in the absence of an endorsement in the race by Donald Trump, who has yet to weigh in despite candidates working hard to woo him — and he may not.
Cruz, who sought the GOP presidential nomination in 2016 that Trump won and may run again in 2024, is one of the highest-profile Republicans in the Senate. He and Mandel share an affinity for trying to exploit cultural divisions for political gain.
Polling shows Cleveland investment banker Mike Gibbons slightly edging Mandel at the top of the crowded GOP field vying to replace retiring Republican Senator Rob Portman. Also running in the May 3 primary are former state Republican chair Jane Timken, author and venture capitalist J.D Vance, state Senator Matt Dolan and entrepreneurs Mark Pukita and Neil Patel.
Early voting begins tomorrow.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Cruz says he chose Mandel because he will stand up to “radical democrats” who want to exploit crises facing the nation “to deliver socialism to America.”
“A United States Marine, Josh is a proven fighter for our American way of life, a champion for the unborn, and a stalwart advocate for our religious liberties,” Cruz says.
In an interview, Mandel says that if he is elected, he looks forward to “being reinforcements for conservative fighters like Ted Cruz.”
The Times of Israel Community.