Ohio GOP Senate Candidate Claims Abortion Is Not an Issue for Women Over 50

The Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Ohio, endorsed by former President Trump, has stirred controversy with recent comments suggesting that abortion is no longer a concern for women over the age of 50. Bernie Moreno made these remarks during a town hall meeting that was later covered by local station WCMH-TV.

Moreno is in a competitive race against the incumbent, Democrat Sherrod Brown, in a state that has leaned increasingly red. In video footage, he mentioned that many suburban women are single-issue voters primarily focused on abortion rights. He described this viewpoint as indicative of “a little crazy,” suggesting that he believes women past 50 should not be so concerned about the issue.

“You know, the left has a lot of single-issue voters,” Moreno stated. “Sadly, by the way, there’s a lot of suburban women, a lot of suburban women that are like, ‘Listen, abortion is it. If I can’t have an abortion in this country whenever I want, I will vote for anybody else.’ OK. It’s a little crazy, by the way, but — especially for women that are like past 50, I’m thinking to myself, ‘I don’t think that’s an issue for you.’”

His remarks quickly drew sharp criticism. Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley reacted on social media, asking, “Are you trying to lose the election?” She labeled Moreno’s comments as “tone-deaf” and drew a comparison to former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who faced backlash for suggesting that Haley was “past her prime.”

Adding to the criticism, incumbent Senator Sherrod Brown weighed in, expressing disbelief that someone could disregard the opinions of the 57% of Ohio voters who recently endorsed an amendment to protect abortion rights and reproductive freedoms in the state.

“You know what’s crazy… Bernie Moreno thinking he knows better than 57% of Ohioans who voted to protect abortion rights last year,” Brown wrote on social media.

Moreno’s comments reflect a broader trend within some segments of the Republican party, which appears to be shifting its narrative on abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Trump has previously suggested that abortion should no longer dominate discussions for women, praising the decision as a victory for states’ rights to legislate on this contentious issue.

During a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump declared that if he were elected again, women would “no longer be thinking about abortion.” He positioned himself as a protector of women’s rights and well-being, stating, “I make this statement to the great women of our country,” claiming that women are currently facing increased poverty, health issues, and emotional distress.

“…I will fix all of that and fast, and at long last, this nation and national nightmare will end,” Trump declared. He emphasized that as president, he would ensure women feel safe and secure, stating, “You will no longer be abandoned, lonely or scared. You will no longer have anxiety from all the problems our country has today.”

Trump’s positioning suggests an attempt to redirect the focus away from abortion to broader themes of security and well-being for women, asserting that they will be “happy, healthy, confident and free,” instead of preoccupied with abortion issues.

As the race heats up in Ohio, the candidates’ views on abortion are likely to play a pivotal role in how voters respond. Polls indicate a complex landscape where past trends in voting align with public sentiments about reproductive rights. The upcoming election may reveal whether Moreno’s and Trump’s perspectives resonate with Ohio voters, particularly those identified as suburban women.