Businessman Moreno exits GOP primary for Ohio Senate seat after meeting with Trump

Ohio GOP Senate candidate and businessman Bernie Moreno has exited the crowded field of contenders after meeting with former President Trump.

The luxury car dealer and blockchain executive was among the leading Republican candidates competing to replace retiring GOP Sen. Rob Portman.

Moreno had already put millions of dollars into his campaign before meeting Thursday with Trump, according to the Columbus Dispatch newspaper.

The former president still holds considerable influence over the party and picking midterm candidates, as Republicans appear poised to retake the House and perhaps even the Senate.

Moreno said he asked for the meeting and that "after talking to President Trump we both agreed this race has too many Trump candidates and could cost the MAGA movement a conservative seat," the newspaper also reports.

The crowded GOP field still includes former Ohio state Treasurer Josh Mandel, former Ohio GOP Chairwoman Jane Timken, "Hillbilly Elegy" author J.D. Vance and state Sen. Matt Dolan.

Mandel appears to be among the early frontrunners. Trump has yet to endorse a candidate.

Said Trump: "To whomever wins the Senate race, I hope and pray they take the actions needed to stop illegal immigration, bring our manufacturing base back to America, and shrink the size and scale of the Federal Government. It's not too much for Americans to expect their government work for them."