Trump-endorsed Vance projected winner in Ohio

It marks a huge win for Trump, who backed the GOP Senate candidate.

Last Updated: May 3, 2022, 11:28 PM EDT

The first multistate contest of the 2022 midterm season kicked off Tuesday with primary races in Ohio and Indiana.

Ohio's Senate race marked the first major sign of former President Donald Trump's endorsement power at the polls.

Latest Developments:

Here's how the races are developing today. All times Eastern. Check back for updates.
May 03, 2022, 9:20 PM EDT

ABC News projects Max Miller winner of GOP House primary

In Ohio's 7th Congressional District, ABC News projects Max Miller as the winner of the Republican primary election.

The race represented a test of former President Donald Trump's kingmaking power after Trump threw his endorsement behind Miller, his former White House and campaign aide.

Max Miller pumps his fist before speaking at a rallyin Wellington, Ohio, June 26, 2021.
Tony Dejak/AP, FILE

Miller was first vying for the seat of Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a Republican who voted for Trump's second impeachment, until Gonzelez announced he was not running again after their district was redrawn. Before redistricting, Gonzalez represented Ohio’s 16th Congressional District.

Incumbent Rep. Bob Gibbs withdrew from the 7th District race after ballots were already printed, so any votes for Gibbs will not be counted.

May 03, 2022, 9:12 PM EDT

Tim Ryan celebrates victory in Columbus

Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan, a 10-term congressman, former presidential candidate and the son of union workers from northeast Ohio, celebrated his projected primary victory from Columbus on Tuesday.

"We’ve been to all 88 counties. Ninety-seven percent of our donations are under $100. This campaign is about the people of Ohio," Ryan told a room of supporters.

Ryan will face the winner of the GOP Senate primary race -- where Trump-endorsed candidate J.D. Vance is leading -- in an election that could help Democrats retain control of the Senate next year. A Democrat hasn't won a statewide race in Ohio since 2006 with one exception: Sen. Sherrod Brown's reelection in 2018.

Rep. Tim Ryan walks down the House steps of the Capitol, April 28, 2022.
Getty Images, FILE

Ryan told ABC News' Senior Washington Report Devin Dwyer Tuesday in his hometown of Warren that he is looking to replicate Brown's success by focusing relentlessly on jobs, wages, cutting taxes and cutting costs for families. He talked often about beating China -- and even mentioned policy areas he agreed with former President Donald Trump.

Even in this primary, he stumped regularly in red areas -- visiting all 88 counties.

Ryan said he likes to avoid the "stupid fights" and "culture war antics" of the "Trump knock-offs" he'll soon face.

May 03, 2022, 8:56 PM EDT

ABC News projects Nan Whaley to win Ohio Democratic gubernatorial primary

Former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley is projected to win the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Ohio, setting her up with a matchup with incumbent Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.

Democrats face an uphill battle to win the governorship, which he party hasn’t captured since 2006.

PHOTO:  Nan Whaley
Mayor Nan Whaley speaks during a news conference in Washington, Sept. 9, 2019.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, FILE

Whaley tweeted Monday night when the Supreme Court draft opinion was leaked that Democrats have a chance to elect a :genuinely pro-choice candidate to be Ohio’s next governor."

May 03, 2022, 8:40 PM EDT

Signs of a close race in the Ohio Republican Senate primary

While less than 20% of the expected vote is in so far in the Ohio Republican Senate primary, there are early signs of a close race and a surge for one of the candidates.

Matt Dolan and J.D. Vance are seen in a composite image.
Getty Images

"Hillbilly Elegy" author J.D. Vance, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is currently leading, but State Sen. Matt Dolan is only a few percentage points behind him. Dolan, who self-financed his race, is the only candidate who broke with Trump in the race. He told ABC News that candidates who focus on the 2020 election are misguided.

Vance, meanwhile, has fully embraced Trump and his endorsement.

-ABC News Oren Oppenheim