Three senators endorse Timken in Ohio GOP Senate primary

Ohio Republican Senate candidate Jane Timken on Tuesday received endorsements from three senators that followed retiring Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) picking her as his desired successor last week.

Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) all backed Timken, citing what they said were her conservative credentials in a statement first seen by The Hill. 

“As a fellow Midwesterner, Jane understands the challenges our farmers and small businesses face, and I look forward to working alongside another powerful mom and female in the U.S. Senate,” Ernst said. 

Fischer called Timken a “pro-life, pro-agriculture, and pro-military candidate,” while Capito cited Timken’s experience understanding issues faced by both their respective states, including the opioid epidemic. 

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“I’ve come to know Jane as a thoughtful and dedicated conservative leader who will tackle these issues head-on and bring tenacious, positive leadership to Washington,” Capito said. 

The latest batch of Senate endorsements follows Portman’s backing of Timken last week. The move has been viewed as a boost for Timken, who has struggled to break into the upper tier of the race. The endorsement could help Timken in the polls and in fundraising. Many Ohio Republicans have wondered whether Portman’s endorsement could be a prelude to an endorsement from former President Trump. 

Most of the candidates in the GOP primary, with the exception of state Sen. Matt Dolan, have openly jockeyed for Trump’s backing in the race. On Friday, Timken, who is the only woman in the primary, released an ad accusing her male GOP rivals of overcompensating for their “inadequacies,” while touting her support for Trump.

“I’m Trump tough and I put America first,” Timken says in the 30-second spot. 

The other GOP contenders have also received notable Senate endorsements in the race. Josh Mandel has been endorsed by Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), while Mike Gibbons has the backing of Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has backed J.D. Vance.