Two surveys, conducted by the Harris Poll and commissioned by the Committee for a Better Ohio, showed Republican Jim Renacci leading incumbent Mike DeWine and potential Democratic opponent John Cranley.
The first poll analyzed each Republican candidate’s odds against Cranley, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the position against Nan Whaley. Renacci has the largest lead of any GOP contender, leading the Democrat by 10 points. DeWine’s lead was only 2 points.
2022 #OHGov General Election Poll:
Jim Renacci (R) 55% (+10)
John Cranley (D) 45%Mary Taylor (R) 52% (+4)
Cranley (D) 48%Joe Blystone (R) 51% (+2)
Cranley (D) 49%
.
Mike DeWine (R-Inc) 51% (+2)
Cranley (D) 49%@HarrisPoll /Committee for a Better Ohio (R) ~ 1,574 LV ~ 1/4— PollTracker (@PollTrackerUSA) January 28, 2022
In an additional analysis, Renacci was also leading the pack in the Republican primary. According to results from 1,088 likely voters, the former congressman edged out DeWine by one percentage point. Joe Blystone gathered 19 percent of the vote.
2022 #OHGov Republican Primary Poll:
Jim Renacci 41%
Mike DeWine 40%
Joe Blystone 19%@HarrisPoll / Committee for a Better Ohio ~ 1,088 LV ~ 2/5https://t.co/rWSn5RTCtF— PollTracker (@PollTrackerUSA) February 8, 2022
“A vote for pro-Trump Jim Renacci isn’t just a vote to put an end to Mike DeWine’s RINO political career. Renacci is Ohio Republicans’ best chance at turning out Republican voters and stopping a Leftist Democrat from winning the governor’s race in November. DeWine’s anti-Trump agenda and massive unpopularity with voters in his own party makes him damaged goods in a general election. Jim Renacci has the support, momentum, and energy to win both the primary and the general,” said Renacci campaign manager Brad Parscale, who formerly held the same position during former President Trump’s reelection campaign, in an emailed statement.
The polls continue a concerning trend for DeWine, as he seeks another term as the head executive of the state. Previously, the Clermont County Republican Party voted to endorse Renacci in the contest. In total, he won the endorsement with 77 of the possible 106 committee members’ votes. Twenty-two individuals supported DeWine.
Furthermore, Greg Simpson, the chair of the county party, pulled back his endorsement of DeWine after mistakenly offering support to the incumbent.
The primary election will be held on May 3.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Jim Renacci” by Jim Renacci.
