Cincy Reporter

The Butler County GOP, a county that has traditionally voted conservatively, has endorsed gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci.

In a release from the gubernatorial candidate, Renacci said Ohio conservatives are demanding strong leadership and want a governor who stands up for the state against Gov. Mike DeWine’s “corrupt” politics and cozy relationship with President Joe Biden.

“The true Republican base, outside of Columbus, sees the real possibility of losing to the Democrats in November," Renacci said in the release. "We’ve seen the numbers that show that I am the only Republican who can win the Ohio governor’s seat in November.” 

The group voted to endorse Renacci during a meeting recently. 

“Our central committee, a very conservative group, was clearly sending a message to Gov. DeWine, and Jim Renacci took advantage and captured the Party endorsement," Butler County GOP Chair Todd Hall told the Cincinnati Enquirer. 

In the release, the Butler County GOP had voted "overwhelmingly" to endorse Renacci in Ohio's gubernatorial race. Renacci was previously endorsed by the Clermont County GOP, meaning he has now been endorsed by two counties who traditionally vote conservatively. 

Renacci is a businessman and former U.S. representative for the 16th Congressional District running against DeWine, a fellow Republican, in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary May 3.

DeWine, 74, was former Gov. John Kasich's choice to replace him as Ohio governor in 2019. He is one of the longest-serving public officials in state history, having been in elected office for 41 years. That includes stints in the Ohio State Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and as Ohio attorney general and Ohio lieutenant governor.