Bernie Moreno Claims Ohio Voters "Cheat[ed]" on Abortion Rights, Pledge to Overrule State's Decision

Photo byBernie Moreno for Senate Media Kit

Ohio Senate Candidate Criticizes Voter Turnout and Reaffirms Support for National Abortion Ban

In newly surfaced audio obtained by the Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno accused a majority of Ohio voters of having "cheat[ed]" to pass a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights in the state last year. Moreno, who is running on a platform that includes a strict anti-abortion stance, reiterated his commitment to supporting a national abortion ban, effectively overriding the will of Ohioans who voted in favor of abortion rights.

Moreno’s Stance on Abortion: "100% Pro-Life, No Exceptions"

Moreno's remarks were made during a July campaign event, where he expressed disappointment over the outcome of Issue 1—a vote in which Ohioans decisively protected abortion rights. He attributed the defeat to low turnout among evangelical Christians, claiming, “We lost Issue 1 last year because only 52% of evangelical Christians bothered to show up at the ballot box... They can only cheat so much.”

Moreno's stance on abortion has been consistent and uncompromising. He describes himself as “100% pro-life with no exceptions,” a position that he has reiterated multiple times throughout his campaign. Moreno has openly supported a national abortion ban that would supersede state-level decisions, including the recent vote by Ohioans to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitution.

Support for National Legislation to Ban Abortion

Despite the clear outcome of the Ohio vote, Moreno has publicly stated that he would push for national legislation to ban abortion across the United States. In July, he confirmed on four separate occasions that his belief in such legislation remains unchanged. Moreno’s firm stance includes support for Ohio's restrictive abortion laws, which do not provide exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

Moreno's opposition extends beyond abortion; he also opposes measures that would protect access to contraception, including birth control pills. His views on reproductive rights have drawn significant attention and criticism, particularly in a state where voters recently expressed strong support for maintaining access to abortion services.

A Controversial Stance on Voter Will and Reproductive Rights

Moreno’s position sets him at odds with the majority of Ohio voters, who approved the protection of abortion rights in a state referendum. His pledge to override this decision through federal legislation has sparked a broader debate about the role of national policy versus state rights, especially on deeply personal and divisive issues like abortion.

Moreno has also been a vocal supporter of the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to set their own abortion policies. He hailed the ruling as a "monumental victory," framing it as a step toward his broader goal of restricting abortion nationwide.

Implications for the Senate Race and Ohio Voters

As Moreno continues his Senate campaign, his hardline stance on abortion is expected to be a defining issue. His remarks about voters "cheating" and his commitment to a national abortion ban challenge the recent decision made by Ohioans, raising questions about how he would represent a state that has clearly expressed its support for abortion rights.

With the Senate race intensifying, Moreno's positions are likely to be scrutinized closely by voters who are weighing candidates' respect for state decisions and individual freedoms. Whether his unwavering opposition to abortion will resonate with the broader electorate or alienate those who support reproductive rights remains a pivotal question as the election approaches.