CLEVELAND — With the election upon us, 3News is keeping a close eye on races to watch across the country and here in Ohio. To put it all in perspective, NBC's Political Director and "Meet the Press" moderator Chuck Todd shared some insights on a few races, in particular, that stands out in the Buckeye State.
First up, Todd says, all eyes are on the battle for Rob Portman's senate seat, with Rep. Tim Ryan, the Democratic nominee, up against “Hillbilly Elegy” author J.D. Vance.
"Let's see how well Tim Ryan does here. J.D. Vance is sort of a unique political figure. He hasn't been the best candidate,” Todd told 3News anchor Isabel Lawrence. "Are we really going to have a case where the better-liked candidate’s going to lose because he has the wrong jersey color for the state? So I’m fascinated by those dynamics.”
Then, there's the race in the 9th Congressional District - with Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur up against Republican J.R. Majewski.
"You have the Marcy Kaptur race with Majewski who was … involved in the January 6th insurrection," Todd said. "This is a swing district now, so I'm very curious to see how much jersey color matters, even if somebody has been discredited the way Majewski has.”
Then there’s the race for Governor between incumbent Republican Mike DeWine and former Dayton Mayor, Democrat Nan Whaley.
"It's two candidates that are kind of running throwback campaigns. They're not running nasty [campaign ads], you know, it's sort of a more conventional race,” Todd said. "Nan Whaley, I think, still has a future in the Ohio Democratic Party if National Democrats believe Ohio is relevant…I think Mike DeWine's success has to do with the fact that he stood up to Trump...I think it tells you that there really are a group of voters who will reward Republicans, who defy Trump.”
Todd says these races could have a major impact on the state for years to come.
"This is a light red state...I'll be very curious, how much is Ohio's shift about Donald Trump, and how much of it is about sort of, the Democrats lost their connection on trade issues and economic populism.”
The outcomes on Tuesday could also have implications for the next election, Todd told 3News.
"It's gonna give us a little hint of, can Sherrod Brown win reelection in 2024…”
Todd also pointed out that for Democrats, the candidates matter more than ever. Especially as he says, rural Americans nationwide are supercharged and ready to turn out for this election.
“I do think you have a case where the current leadership of the Democratic Party doesn't know how to… to target places like Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan. I really do think that the National Party consultants and strategists are very out of touch…. with these states that have a lot of working-class voters."
Now, it’s up to the voters to decide, when Ohio heads to the polls on election day.
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- NEW POLL: Tim Ryan holds slight lead over JD Vance in Ohio's US Senate race; Mike DeWine well ahead of Nan Whaley in battle for governor
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Nov. 4, 2022.
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