Trump-endorsed Vance projected winner in Ohio

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

ByLibby Cathey, Hannah Demissie, Oren Oppenheim, and Lalee Ibssa
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, 10:43 PM EDT

Brown projected to defeat turner in Ohio House primary

In Ohio's 11th Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Shontel Brown is projected by ABC News to defeat progressive challenger Nina Turner for a second time, marking a victory for President Joe Biden's endorsement power.

Brown was first elected to Congress in a special election last year following former Rep. Marcia Fudge's appointment to serve as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

PHOTO: Nina Turner speaks to a crowd of volunteers before a Get Out the Vote canvassing event, July 30, 2021. Shontel Brown speaks during Get Out the Vote campaign event at Mt Zion Fellowship, July 31, 2021, in Cleveland.
Congressional candidate Nina Turner speaks to a crowd of volunteers before a Get Out the Vote canvassing event, July 30, 2021, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Cuyahoga Councilwoman and Congressional Candidate Shontel Brown speaks during Get Out the Vote campaign event at Mt Zion Fellowship, July 31, 2021, in Cleveland.
Getty Images, FILE

Biden offered his second endorsement of the midterm cycle to Brown last Friday, calling her "an ardent advocate for the people of Ohio and a true partner in Congress," while leading progressive voices like Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., backed Turner.

Turner, a former co-chair of Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign, had previously criticized the Democratic Party and Biden's leadership.

May 03, 2022, 10:24 PM EDT

Former state senator wins GOP primary for IN-09

ABC News has projected that Erin Houchin, a former state senator, as the winner of the Republican House primary in Indiana’s 9th Congressional District.

"I am honored that Hoosier Republicans across Southern Indiana have entrusted me with their vote," Houchin said in a statement. "I’ve spent my life in the Ninth District, and look forward to carrying our momentum through November and being the proven conservative fighter we need in Washington. It’s time to push back against the radical Biden-Pelosi agenda and take our country back."

The seat was the only vacant congressional seat in the state after Republican Congressman Trey Hollingsworth announced he wouldn't seek reelection.

May 03, 2022, 10:21 PM EDT

Vance thanks Trump in victory speech

Fresh off his projected win, J.D. Vance thanked former President Donald Trump for his endorsement as he celebrated his projected primary victory with supporters in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

"I have got to absolutely thank the 45th President Donald Trump. One, for giving us an example of what could be in this country… and endorsing me," Vance said.

J.D. Vance, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Ohio, speaks during a campaign rally in Newark, Ohio, April 30, 2022.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images, FILE

Trump's endorsement of Vance, the "never-Trumper" turned Trump ally, was not well received among all Republicans. Many criticized Trump's pick, bringing up past comments Vance made attacking Trump supporters -- but Vance still prevailed.

The "Hillbilly Elegy" author drew upon his midwest working-class background throughout the campaign. He initially struggled to stand out from a crowd of MAGA Republicans, but Trump's endorsement gave him a significant boost that he used to carry him to victory, focusing the fight on "America First" values in recent weeks.

Vance is expected to face Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan in the general election.

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

May 03, 2022, 9:43 PM EDT

J.D. Vance projected winner of GOP Senate primary, marking victory for Trump

In the Ohio Republican primary for Senate, ABC projects "Hillbilly Elegy” author J.D. Vance as the winner, marking a massive victory for former President Donald Trump.

Polling showed Vance fading into third place in the weeks leading up to the election, behind Mike Gibbons and Josh Mandel, but an eleventh-hour endorsement from the former president vaulted Vance into front-running status.

Republican Senate candidate JD Vance speaks at a rally in Delaware, Ohio, April 23, 2022.
Joe Maiorana/AP

The "never-Trumper" turned Trump ally will face Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan in the fall.

Trump also endorsed former aide Max Miller in Ohio's 7th Congressional District. Miller was also projected to win his primary race on Tuesday.