GOP candidate Bernie Moreno raises $4M in third quarter Ohio Senate bid

Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno raised more than $4 million during the third quarter — a figure that includes $3 million from his own pocket.

The Republican also announced that he had roughly $5 million in cash on hand.

Moreno, a wealthy businessman, is running in a primary that includes Secretary of State Frank LaRose and State Sen. Matt Dolan. They are looking to oust Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is widely seen as one of the most vulnerable incumbents up for reelection in 2024.

Moreno has a history of self funding: During his short-lived 2022 Senate run, he reported more than $3 million in self-financing. The recruitment of self-funders, who are willing to dip into their own fortunes, has been a key part of the GOP’s strategy to take back the Senate. Both Dolan and Moreno have the ability to self-fund in Ohio.

Former President Donald Trump has yet to endorse in the race, though he has been complimentary of Moreno. In a social media post earlier this year, Trump said Moreno “would not be easy to beat.” LaRose is also angling for a Trump endorsement. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), a top Trump ally, has backed Moreno.

Other wealthy GOP Senate candidates include: Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania, Tim Sheehy in Montana and Jim Justice in West Virginia. The deadline to report fundraising for the third quarter, which spans from July 1 to Sept. 30, is Oct. 15. Moreno is one of the first major Senate Republicans to reveal his total haul. He raised nearly $2.3 million in the second quarter.