Republican Sen. Rob Portman is not seeking re-election in Ohio, giving Democrats a glimmer of hope in a seat that didn’t look all that competitive at this early stage of the 2022 cycle.
The senator’s comments about “partisan gridlock” will add to the narrative that Republicans are in disarray in the wake of President Donald Trump’s time in office. But Portman’s announcement does not mean Republicans are on the brink of losing this Senate seat. Ohio has been trending Republican for the last few years and, historically, Republicans should have the national political environment in their favor with a Democrat in the White House. CONTINUED
Inside Elections