TJ Madsen is among the founding members of the New Herald Tribune and chairs the editorial board. He worked for national syndicated newspapers in Newark, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before moving to the midwest.
Mar-a-Lago, FL - Incoming President Donald Trump has publicly encouraged Jennifer Rubin, a well-known conservative commentator and Washington Post columnist, to run for the state's open Senate seat in the upcoming 2026 election. Rubin, who has built a reputation as a strong critic of Trump, particularly after he left office, has been a leading voice for a faction of the Republican Party that advocates for a return to more traditional conservative principles. She has often expressed frustration with what she views as the GOP’s drift toward extremism under Trump's influence. However, Trump's endorsement of Rubin for the Senate seat is raising eyebrows.
In a statement released over the weekend, Trump acknowledged her intellectual rigor and ability to connect with a broad swath of voters, noting, "Jennifer has a unique understanding of the challenges facing America, and I think she could really make a difference in the Senate. Ohio would be lucky to have her."
The seat, which is being vacated by incoming Vice President JD Vance, has attracted national attention, with both major political parties eyeing the opportunity to influence the balance of power in the Senate. Rubin has yet to comment on whether she will pursue a Senate run, though sources close to her suggest that she is considering it seriously. A spokesperson for Rubin told The Guardian that the commentator is “honored by the support but remains focused on her work as a journalist.”
Her possible candidacy would undoubtedly shake up Ohio’s political establishment. While traditionally a swing state, Ohio has trended more conservative in recent elections, with Trump carrying the state comfortably in both 2016 and 2020. However, Rubin's appeal may stem from her ability to reach moderate Republicans and independent voters who are disillusioned by the current state of the GOP.
Political analysts have mixed reactions to Trump’s endorsement. Some see it as a strategic move to further solidify his influence over the Republican Party, while others view it as an attempt to reframe the narrative around the GOP, signaling an opening for a more centrist vision. However, given Rubin’s history of outspoken criticisms of Trump, some believe this may simply be a case of political pragmatism.
If Rubin does decide to enter the fray, her candidacy could redefine the GOP’s direction as it prepares for the 2026 election. Whether she embraces Trump’s endorsement or distances herself from it, Ohio voters will likely be watching closely.
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