Trump-backed candidate J.D. Vance wins in Ohio Republican Senate primary

The candidate backed by former President Donald Trump won the Republican primary for the nomination for one of the Senate seats for Ohio.

Populist author J.D. Vance was declared the victor over former state treasurer Josh Mandel on Tuesday.

Vance received the endorsement of Trump over Mandel, even though both declared themselves pro-Trump candidates. Mandel also had the endorsement of Republican U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.

Vance is best-known for writing "Hillbilly Elegy," a New York Times bestseller documenting the political changes among working class white people in the beleaguered region of Appalachia. He initially mocked and rejected Trump in 2016 but later became a vocal supporter of his policies.

"Like some others, J.D. Vance may have said some not so great things about me in the past, but he gets it now, and I have seen that in spades," said Trump in his endorsement in April. "He is our best chance for victory in what could be a very tough race."

The race was largely seen as a test of the political influence Trump held within the Republican party as some elements have attempted to move forward without him.

Heading into the primary election, Mandel and Vance were within the error of margin in the latest Fox News poll.

First-term Republican Gov. Mike DeWine defeated conservative primary challengers and garnered the Republican gubernatorial nomination. DeWine faced opponents who tried to capitalize on anger over the governor's pandemic lockdown policies. He will go up against Nan Whaley, the Democratic gubernational nominee.

Vance will go up against Tim Ryan, the Democratic senatorial nominee. They are vying to fill in the seat vacated by Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican, who is not running for re-election.

Here's more about the GOP Senate primary race:

Ohio Senate Primary Tests Trump's Influence Over GOP After J.D. Vance Endorsementwww.youtube.com