Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno is eyeing a bid to head the Senate GOP’s campaign arm for the 2028 cycle, according to two Republican senators granted anonymity to disclose private conversations.
A spokesperson for Moreno declined to comment on Moreno’s interest in leading the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
While Moreno hasn’t officially thrown his hat into the ring, he has discussed the matter with colleagues, according to the two GOP senators. And his likely bid is already getting public support.
“He’s a machine. He is always working. He’s an incredible fundraiser,” said Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) about why he would back Moreno for the role.
Two other GOP senators predicted that the job is likely Moreno’s if he wants it, given that there normally isn’t a contest for the top campaign spot. But it’s possible he could have competition if he jumps in.
During a recent lunch, a member of leadership made a quip about well-connected Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska potentially leading the NRSC during the 2028 cycle, according to one of the senators.
But Moreno would also bring a network of relationships to the role: He is well-liked within the Senate GOP Conference, is close with the White House and President Donald Trump, built a donor network in his pricey 2024 battle to unseat Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, and has been a prolific fundraiser for the NRSC, which is now chaired by South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.
Despite being not quite 14 months into his Senate career, Moreno has taken on prominent roles within the conference recently, including as one of the lead negotiators in recent health care talks. Moreno is viewed by his colleagues as ambitious and smart, with Majority Leader John Thune and other senior Republicans praising him over the past year.
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