Bernie Moreno Moves to Lock Up NRSC Chair Bid Ahead of 2028

Sen. Bernie Moreno is quietly positioning himself to lead the Senate Republican campaign arm for the 2028 cycle, and he has begun securing early pledges of support from colleagues, according to three people directly familiar with the discussions.

The first-term Ohio senator has already drawn backing from several members of the 2024 Republican class that helped flip the chamber. Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) told Semafor that Moreno would do a “great job,” while Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) called him “superb,” saying Moreno has “a good sense of the politics and the president’s coalition.” Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) said he encouraged Moreno to run, noting the Ohio senator “never stops.”

Support From Senior Colleagues

“I think he’d be terrific. He’s extremely energetic. He’s been helpful to me in my race and he seems to have good contacts everywhere,”

said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), adding that any philosophical differences have not affected their working relationship.

Fast Start In Washington

Since coming to the Senate, Moreno has been active on several fronts: he’s taken part in negotiations with Democrats over expired health-care subsidies and helped raise money to defend the Republican majority this year. A former car dealership owner, Moreno maintains ties to the auto sector and to the crypto industry.

Gauging The Field

GOP insiders say Moreno is actively assessing support inside the conference. Alex Bruesewitz, a strategist aligned with former President Donald Trump, called Moreno “one of the president’s best defenders in the Senate” and praised his political instincts.

In a brief interview, Moreno said he remains focused on his duties as NRSC vice chair and on working with current NRSC Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.), but added that he would consider running for NRSC chair “if I can be helpful to help elect more Republicans.”

It is not yet clear whether Moreno will face a challenger. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) has been discussed as a possible contender, but Mullin told Semafor he is “not even focused at all on that” and has not given it any consideration. Other potential names—Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.)—have also shown little appetite, according to Republican sources.

Factional Lines And Alliances

Both Moreno and Mullin have ties to former President Trump, though their bases differ. Mullin often acts as a conduit to House Republican leaders and is close to Senate leadership figures such as John Thune. Moreno is closely aligned with the resurgent Trump wing and has connections to White House staffers like Susie Wiles and to Trump-aligned figures such as J.D. Vance and Donald Trump Jr.

Why Early Support Matters

The NRSC chair is formally elected by the Senate Republican Conference after the midterms, but these contests are frequently decided months in advance by candidates who lock up broad backing early. "Moreno has got first-mover advantage and has made a great impression on the caucus," said Jason Thielman, a former NRSC executive director.

The 2028 Map

Looking ahead to 2028, Republicans face a mixed map. Seats held by Sens. Ron Johnson (Wis.), Ted Budd (N.C.), and Chuck Grassley (Iowa) are up for reelection, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) is also on the ballot. At the same time, Republicans will have pickup opportunities in states such as New Hampshire, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.

Moreno has been an active fundraiser for Republican efforts this cycle, according to a report from NOTUS.