Bernie Moreno Wins Ohio GOP Senate Nomination Despite Adult Website Personal Ad Scandal

On Tuesday night, Bernie Moreno triumphed in a competitive GOP primary race for one of Ohio’s Senate seats after receiving the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

Before his victory in the primary election, Moreno confronted concerns about the existence of a 2008 profile on a website called Adult Friend Finder, in which he seemed to be seeking “Men for 1-on-1 sex.”

“Hi, looking for young guys to have fun with while traveling,” said a caption under a photoless profile with the username “nardo19672.” According to an AP review, the profile was created by someone with access to Moreno’s email, though it has not been confirmed whether it was Moreno himself.

Two days after reporters confronted Moreno’s campaign about the account, his lawyer said former intern Dan Ricci created it as a prank.

“I am thoroughly embarrassed by an aborted prank I pulled on my friend, and former boss, Bernie Moreno, nearly two decades ago,” Ricci said. Moreno’s lawyer, Charles Harder, also claimed Moreno “had nothing to do with the AFF account.”

The Trump-endorsed Republican is known for his strong opposition to LGBTQ rights.

Moreno will advance to a general election against Sen. Sherrod Brown (D).

The controversy surrounding Moreno is worrying Republicans who are hoping to flip the Senate majority this year.