Trump's win was no surprise. The state’s 17 electoral votes were expected to go to him, following his overwhelming victories in Ohio during the 2016 and 2020 elections. For the third election cycle in a row, Ohio chose a Republican for president, something that hasn’t happened since 1988, when President George H.W. Bush won after Ronald Reagan’s victories in 1980 and 1984. It’s a testament to the state’s deepening red-leaning trends in recent years, shifting from a swing state to a reliable GOP stronghold.
As it stands, Trump’s win means Ohio Sen. JD Vance will likely take on the role of vice president, given the potential that Trump will win the Electoral College. On top of that, Governor Mike DeWine will be tasked with choosing Vance's successor in the closely-divided U.S. Senate. This shift in Ohio’s political landscape is a big deal, with significant implications for both state and national politics.
But Trump wasn’t the only name on the ballot. Ohio’s most closely watched race was the reelection campaign of Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who faced off against Republican Bernie Moreno. Brown campaigned hard to win over the ticket-splitters, a shrinking group of voters who are increasingly rare in today’s partisan political climate. His efforts were crucial as he tried to hold on to his Senate seat, but the shifting tide in Ohio made this race a tough challenge for Democrats.
Interestingly, neither Trump nor Harris made major campaign stops in Ohio. The state didn’t see much action from the presidential candidates compared to other swing states. However, JD Vance held a rally in his hometown of Middletown shortly after being named Trump’s running mate, which added a personal touch to his campaign. On the other hand, Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, stepped in to raise funds in Ohio, hosting events in Cincinnati and Cleveland. Despite this, Ohio felt like it wasn’t the central focus of the 2024 election, especially when compared to its neighboring Midwestern states, which were far more hotly contested.
States like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin were the true battlegrounds in the 2024 presidential race, where the outcome ultimately hinged on which party won over these key areas. At the same time, states such as Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina were also crucial players in deciding the election’s final outcome. It’s clear that the competition in Ohio has shifted, with the state’s electoral importance not quite on par with other Midwestern and Southern states in 2024.
This election has certainly been a roller coaster. The biggest twist came in July when Democratic President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, citing concerns about his health. Instead, he threw his weight behind Kamala Harris, officially endorsing her to take the lead for the Democratic ticket. This surprising turn of events set the stage for a unique campaign dynamic, especially considering the challenges Harris faced as the first female vice president vying for the top job.
There were even more shocking moments that added to the drama of the 2024 race. For example, a shooter made an assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. This horrifying event sent shockwaves through the nation, raising questions about the security of high-profile candidates in today’s hypercharged political climate. But Trump, ever the fighter, pressed on and campaigned with renewed vigor.
Meanwhile, a controversy erupted when Trump and Vance amplified a false story that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were allegedly eating pets. This tale, which was later debunked, played into the growing culture wars that have defined much of the current political landscape. Despite the fact that this story was shown to be false, it highlighted how misinformation and sensationalism can easily spread during an election cycle, especially when voters are already feeling politically divided and distrusting of mainstream media.
In terms of the Green Party, their presidential candidate Jill Stein didn’t get a lot of attention in Ohio, as her votes didn’t count in the state due to a technical issue. The Ohio Green Party tried to substitute their vice presidential candidate after the state's deadline, which led to a legal challenge and ultimately disqualified the votes for Stein. While this might seem like a small matter, it’s a reminder of how minor administrative details can have a significant impact on the election outcome.
It’s also worth mentioning how Ohio’s political shift fits into the larger trends we’re seeing across the country. The state, once known for its razor-thin margins, has become a reliable bellwether for the GOP. However, as other battleground states continue to draw more attention from presidential candidates, Ohio may find itself less of a focal point in future elections. This could signal a changing tide in the national political landscape, where older swing states give way to newer ones that could be the next big players in presidential races.
For Ohio Republicans, the victory in 2024 represents a continuation of their dominance in the state, but it’s also a victory for their broader vision of America, especially with JD Vance potentially stepping into a higher role. If Vance can continue to gain traction, it could signal even more influence for the Buckeye State in national politics. On the flip side, Democrats may be starting to feel the sting of their fading influence in Ohio, especially after losing three consecutive presidential races here.
Ohio’s results in 2024 underscore the importance of shifting strategies, both for candidates and political parties. As more states turn red or blue, Ohio’s once-coveted swing state status may not hold the same weight in the future. For now, however, the state remains firmly in the grip of Republican power, setting the stage for another round of debates and battles to come as the political cycle continues to unfold.
As Ohio continues to solidify its political identity, the implications for future elections could be vast, signaling a new era in the state's involvement in national politics. But as we saw in 2024, anything can happen in a campaign, and no outcome is ever truly set in stone. Time will tell whether Ohio will continue its trend of red dominance or if it will once again prove to be the swing state it once was.
Login