With only one Republican lined up to take on Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) in the 2018 midterm elections, some GOP leaders are hoping Hillbilly Elegy author J.D. Vance will consider jumping into the race.
Three people familiar with the discussions told Politico that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has talked to Vance about possibly running, and McConnell told others if Vance did decide to throw his hat into the ring, Republicans would prioritize that race.
On Friday, GOP candidate Josh Mandel, citing his wife's health issues, announced he was withdrawing from the race, leaving just one Republican standing: self-funded businessman Mike Gibbons, who has never run for office. Should Vance decide to enter the race, the deadline to file is Feb. 7, with the primary on May 8.
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