In a significant endorsement that may sway conservative voters, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) has thrown his support behind businessman Nate Morris in the contentious race to fill the seat of retiring Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Moreno, known for his staunch conservative stance, declared his support in a statement highlighting the need for fresh conservative leadership in Washington.

“If we are going to put America First again, we need to send a conservative outsider to Washington, not another career politician,” Moreno stated. He praised Morris for his commitment to core conservative issues such as securing the border and opposing amnesty for illegal immigrants. “Nate will stand shoulder to shoulder with me in the fight to secure our border, deport illegals, and say ‘hell no’ to any attempt at amnesty,” Moreno added.

This endorsement adds to a growing list of conservative voices backing Morris, including Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Turning Point Action founder Charlie Kirk. These endorsements may significantly influence the dynamics of a primary that also features Rep. Andy Barr and former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron.

Reacting to Moreno’s endorsement, Morris expressed his gratitude and aligned himself with Moreno’s outsider ethos. “I’m humbled by Bernie’s endorsement. Like Bernie, I’m a businessman, not a career politician, and I’m running to take out the D.C. trash,” Morris said.

The race is shaping up to be one of the most watched battles in the upcoming electoral cycle, especially after former President Trump’s recent endorsements in other key Senate races. Morris, who recently discussed his Senate aspirations on Donald Trump Jr.’s podcast, formally entered the race last month, setting the stage for a fiercely contested primary.

As the primary date approaches, the endorsements from high-profile conservatives like Moreno could be pivotal in consolidating grassroots support for Morris against his GOP rivals. The outcome of this primary could very well indicate the direction of the Republican Party as it gears up for larger electoral battles ahead.