COLUMBUS, OHIO (Diya TV) — In a closely watched Republican primary race in southern Ohio, David Taylor clinched victory on Tuesday, prevailing against 10 other candidates vying for the seat being vacated by Rep. Brad Wenstrup, who is stepping down to prioritize family time. Niraj Antani, a young Indian American Republican, also contested in the primary race, but secured 10th place with 1,497 votes, constituting 1.8% of the total votes cast. Taylor secured the win with 26% of the vote, based on preliminary results with 97% of votes counted by Tuesday night. His success sets him up as the clear favorite in the heavily Republican 2nd Congressional District, where he will face Democrat Samantha Meadows in November.
“I am honored by the trust the voters have placed in me today,” Taylor expressed in a statement shared on social media following his triumph. “I am exceptionally grateful to my family, friends, and our countless volunteers who made tonight’s victory possible.”
Taylor’s strong ties to Clermont County played a pivotal role in securing the nomination. Voters in Clermont County, a populous area within the district, overwhelmingly supported Taylor, delivering approximately 11,000 of his total 26,000 votes. Taylor, along with other top contenders, invested heavily in the race, with each of the top three candidates pouring over $1 million of their own funds into their campaigns.
Despite his loss, Antani plans to continue serving in his Senate district until his term expires in December. His bid for the U.S. House of Representatives highlighted the diversity of candidates and perspectives within the Republican Party, contributing to the vibrancy of the democratic process in Ohio.
