Trump-Endorsed Ohio Senate Candidate Bernie Moreno With Anti-LGBTQ Views Accused Of Having Account On Adult Friend Finder Seeking ‘Young Men’

As Republicans vie to regain the Senate majority in the upcoming elections, Ohio presents a crucial opportunity to secure a pivotal seat.

However, Republicans are worried about the potential nomination of Bernie Moreno, whose campaign has faced scrutiny after a significant shift in his stance on LGBTQ rights and allegations around a 2008 profile on the casual encounters website Adult Friend Finder.

An AP review of publicly available records from the website revealed a profile under the username “nardo19672” that sought “Men for 1-on-1 sex,” accompanied by a caption that expressed a desire for fun with young men while traveling.

Although no photos were associated with the profile, it was accessed about six hours after its creation. While the outlet confirmed that someone with access to Moreno’s email account created the profile, it could not definitively establish whether Moreno himself was responsible. These questions have circulated within GOP circles for the past month.

Moreno’s lawyer released a statement on Thursday that asserted a former intern, Dan Ricci, had created the account as part of a misguided prank. Ricci expressed remorse and described it as a juvenile act that he deeply regretted. However, reporters were unable to independently verify Ricci’s statement.

Campaign finance records indicate that Ricci donated $6,599 to Moreno’s campaign last year. Charles Harder, Moreno’s lawyer, emphasized that Moreno had no involvement with the Adult Friend Finder account.

Once considered a key swing state, Ohio has witnessed a notable rightward shift in recent years, and Donald Trump secured victories in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Republicans currently control top statewide offices and both chambers of the legislature.

Given that Republicans are only one seat away from a Senate majority, the outcome of the Ohio race could have significant implications for the balance of power in Washington.

The stakes are high for Trump, who has endorsed Moreno in a crowded field that includes Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) and State Sen. Matt Dolan (R). Trump is scheduled to appear alongside Moreno at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday.

In response to the controversy about Moreno, Trump’s spokesman, Steven Cheung, attributed the media’s focus on the matter to an obsession with anyone who supports the “America First” movement.

The potential vulnerability of Moreno’s candidacy has reportedly led to frustration among senior Republican operatives and elected officials in Washington and Ohio. Several individuals familiar with the discussions on how to address the issue expressed concerns, prompting some party officials to seek data reviews to assess Moreno’s potential involvement.