OHIO: GOP Rep. Jim Renacci To Unveil US Senate Bid

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports:

U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci plans to run for U.S. Senate after President Donald Trump’s political team urged the Republican to do so. That means Renacci will jump out of the Ohio governor’s race, according to Republicans with knowledge of the decision. An announcement is expected Thursday morning.

White House political staff sat down with Renacci Wednesday and encouraged him to run for U.S. Senate. They cited Renacci’s support for Trump’s initiatives in Congress and their desire to have another GOP vote in the U.S. Senate, a person close to the White House told The Enquirer.

Renacci’s move comes after a day of intense jockeying in the Ohio Senate race, which unfolded behind closed doors. “Hillbilly Elegy” author J.D. Vance met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Sen. Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican who is chairman of the Senate GOP’s campaign committee.

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel abruptly dropped his Senate bid on Monday, citing his wife’s failing health. Incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown will seek a third term and currently has no challengers in the Democratic primary.