President-elect Trump has defeated Gov. John Kasich in their proxy war for control of the Ohio Republican Party.
Jane Timken, a local GOP county official and Republican donor who was endorsed by Trump, ousted sitting Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges after intense lobbying of central committee members by the president-elect and the governor. Trump was ultimately more persuasive than Kasich.
Timken won by acclimation after Borges withdrew his name from consideration. As part of a deal struck by both sides, Borges was elected chairman emeritus of the state GOP. Most of the 66 members of the central committee were installed by Kasich and presumed loyal to him. The results of the election were a major blow to his leadership, and showed Trump assuming command of the national party that he now leads.
“I promise to be a good steward of the resources of the Ohio Republican Party,” Timken said in brief remarks after securing victory.
Kasich never endorsed Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton in the general election, and Ohio Republicans loyal to the president-elect were determined to purge the governor’s handpicked chairman of the state party. Borges didn’t deserve to be replaced if based on the results of the election. Trump won Ohio; Sen. Rob Portman was re-elected, and the GOP was successful in other down ballot races.
Trump on Thursday called state central committee members directly, urging them to support Timken. That, apparently, made the difference.
The Ohio Republican Party was initially deadlocked Friday as it voted in multiple rounds for chairman. But Timken had the edge, winning both tallies 33 to 32, with 34 votes required for victory.
The central committee then recessed, with the Kasich and Trump factions meeting behind closed doors in an attempt to sway votes and hash out a deal. Borges was offering Timken a significant role in the party going forward. The deal ultimately struck was her winning the chairmanship and Borges being elected chairman emeritus, a ceremonial post.
