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Nina Turner, the progressive Ohio Congressional candidate who faced a more mainstream Democrat in a special election, has lost her race. A contemporary of Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VtT, Ms. Turner never relented in her progressive platform, and has vowed to continue working on behalf of progressive candidates.
With endorsements from Senator Sanders, along with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and the Justice Democrats caucus, Ms. Turner had plenty of support from progressive Democrats. Yet the backing of more left-wing politicians did little to resonate with Ohio voters.
Ms. Turner, who credited her opponent’s win to money from mainstream SuperPACs, was once favored to win the primary, thanks to her own financial support as a candidate. Yet her verbal swipes at more mainstream Democrats regularly affected her position.
Ms. Turner often took aim at President Joe Biden, along with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who endorsed her opponent, Shontel Brown. Ms. Brown also had the support of the Jewish Democrats, following Ms. Turner’s vocal support for Palestine.
Shontel Brown beats Nina Turner
Regarding the negative campaign ads, Ms. Brown stated, “Unlike Nina Turner, who has attacked and insulted Democrats like President Biden at every turn, I am proud of our coalition of Democrats, Independents and yes, even some Republicans, who want to elect someone to Congress who will work with Joe Biden to deliver an economic recovery to northeast Ohio and stop gun violence.”
Local politicians in Ohio were also dismayed by the mud-slinging within the two Democratic Party members, with Cleveland City Council member Basheer Jones stating, “It just seems that the Democratic Party is not as good at working together as the Republican Party. This is a sign of it. It’s really getting ugly, and people don’t like it.”
Turner concedes race
In her concession speech, Ms. Turner stated, “Tonight our justice journey continues and I am proud to continue that journey with each and every one of you.” She continued, “I am going to work hard to ensure that something like this never happens to a progressive candidate again.
The special election took place following the resignation of Representative Marcia Fudge, who took a position in President Joe Biden’s cabinet as Housing Secretary. Secretary Fudge did not make a formal endorsement of either candidate in the race, but was seen socializing with Shontel Brown during the campaign. Fudge’s mother also endorsed Brown in a campaign ad.
Ms. Brown, who received over 50% of the vote, is likely to be the next Congresswoman for District 11, a reliably Democratic district in Ohio.