Ohio Debate LIVE: Senate Candidates Rep. Tim Ryan and J.D. Vance

CLEVELAND (NewsNation) —Ohio’s Senate candidates are squaring off Monday night in a race that could help determine whether Republicans or Democrats control the U.S. Senate.

According to the AP, the debate between Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and Republican JD Vance descended quickly into attacks, with the candidates for Ohio’s open U.S. Senate seat accusing each other of being responsible for job losses and putting party loyalty ahead of voters’ needs.

Vance said Ryan had supported policies as a congressman that led to a 10-year-old girl in Ohio being raped. Ryan said Vance had started a “fake nonprofit” to help people overcome addiction issues. The two accused each other of being beholden to their party, with Ryan echoing a comment from former President Donald Trump in calling Vance an “a— kisser” and Vance saying Ryan’s 100% voting record with President Joe Biden means he’s not the reasonable moderate he says he is.

The Senate race in Ohio between Vance and Ryan has shifted from leaning Republican to a “toss up,” according to a report from NewsNation’s polling partner, Decision Desk HQ’s data. Recent polls have shown both Vance and Ryan with leads in the race.

Ryan has been a member of Congress for the last 20 years, representing the north and eastern sections of Ohio. Vance is a venture capitalist who gained national attention for his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which later became a movie. Vance has received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, and been joined on the campaign trail by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

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