CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohio and statewide politicians are sounding off following the criminal conviction of Donald Trump, the first such conviction for a former president in American history.
Trump, who is running as the Republican nominee for another term in the White House, was found guilty in New York Thursday on all 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. Specifically, jurors found he violated campaign finance laws by paying former porn star Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged affair before improperly writing off those payments as a legal expense to his former attorney, Michael Cohen.
Almost immediately after the verdict, reactions began pouring in from around the globe, including right here in the Buckeye State. Specifically, those reactions have fallen along political party lines.
Here's what Northeast Ohio elected officials and candidates are saying:
US SENATE
Republican U.S. Sen. JD Vance, one of Trump's most loyal allies in Washington, released the following statement:
"This verdict is an absolute miscarriage of justice. While the outcome of this trial will no doubt be subject to appeal, it’s a disgrace to our judicial system that such measures will be necessary. The partisan slant of this jury pool shows why we ought to litigate politics at the ballot box and not in the courtroom. Ultimately, I have faith that the 2024 election will be decided by the American people, not corrupt judges and prosecutors."
Cleveland area businessman Bernie Moreno, the Trump-endorsed Republican candidate in the race against incumbent Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, ripped his opponent and current President Joe Biden for what he called "this weaponization of our justice system."
US HOUSE
Ohio's 4th Congressional District Rep. Jim Jordan (R), another staunch Trump defender, called the verdict "a travesty of justice."
By contrast, Jordan's Democratic general election opponent Tamie Wilson attacked the longtime congressman as someone who "supports convicted felon Donald Trump over Ohioans and the judicial system."
District 7 Rep. Max Miller (R), a former aide in the Trump White House, lambasted the proceedings as a "WITCH HUNT."
Miller's election challenger Matt Diemer (D) was more direct in his one-word response.
District 12 Rep. Troy Balderson (R) echoed Trump's earlier remarks during the trial when he claimed "even Mother Teresa couldn’t beat these ridiculous charges."
On the other side, Balderson's opponent Jerrad Christian (D) called for voters to "reject corruption and chaos," referencing Trump's status as a convicted felon.
State Sen. Michael Rulli (R-Salem), the Republican candidate in the race for Ohio's 6th Congressional District, believes this verdict will actually help Trump win another presidential term.
OTHER REACTIONS
Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex M. Triantafilou issued a statement claiming Trump is "against a machine of elites who have set out to destroy him."
Cuyahoga County Republican Party Chair Lisa M. Stickan said:
"Today's verdict against President Donald J. Trump is a product of a political prosecution, aimed at removing President Trump from the race. This politically motivated trial, filled with questionable evidence, is a desperate attempt by Democrats to manipulate our justice system and interfere with the upcoming election.
"We stand united with President Trump, reaffirming our unwavering support for his leadership and vision for America. This verdict does not reflect our nation's values but rather the desperation of those clinging to power.
"Our base is energized and resolute in supporting President Trump as he appeals this unjust verdict. This is not just an attack on him but an attack on democracy itself. We will continue to fight for fairness, justice, and the rule of law."
Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost called the verdict "unjust" and predicted it would be thrown out on appeal.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who ran for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination against Moreno but came in a distant third after failing to gain Trump's endorsement, used words like "partisan," "sham," and "bogus" in his reaction.
This story will be updated with more reactions as they come in.