History of Bernie Moreno in Timeline
Bernardo Moreno, an American businessman, secured the Republican nomination and subsequently won the 2024 U.S. Senate election in Ohio, defeating incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown. This victory marks a significant political shift in the state.
February 1967: Birth of Bernardo Moreno
Bernardo Moreno was born in February 1967.
2005: Moreno moves to Ohio and purchases a Mercedes-Benz dealership
Moreno relocated to Ohio and acquired a Mercedes-Benz dealership in North Olmsted, near Cleveland, in 2005.
2014: Moreno's business sponsors Gay Games
Moreno's business sponsored the 2014 Gay Games hosted by Cleveland and Akron.
2016: Moreno criticizes Trump
In 2016, Moreno called Trump a "lunatic" and a "maniac" and said he couldn't support a Republican Party led by him. He wrote in Marco Rubio for president.
2016: Moreno supports pathway to citizenship for immigrants
In 2016, Moreno supported a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, stating a need to "help them come out of the shadows".
2016: Moreno expresses support for LGBT community
In 2016, Moreno voiced support for the LGBT community and credited "Modern Family" with changing perceptions on same-sex marriage, noting his eldest son is gay.
2018: Moreno establishes Sales Center for Excellence
In 2018, Moreno founded the Sales Center for Excellence at Cleveland State University.
October 2019: Moreno appointed to MetroHealth System board
Moreno was appointed to the board of trustees for the MetroHealth System in October 2019.
2019: Moreno reiterates opposition to Trump
During a 2019 radio interview, Moreno stated there was "no scenario" where he would support Trump.
2019: Moreno supports background checks for gun owners
In 2019, Moreno supported background checks for gun owners and questioned the need for high-capacity magazines.
2019: Moreno shifts focus to blockchain technology
Moreno began selling several of his car dealerships to concentrate on his new blockchain-based tech company, Ownum, in 2019.
2019: Moreno inducted into Cleveland Business Hall of Fame
Moreno was elected to the Cleveland Business Hall of Fame by Cleveland Magazine in 2019.
2020: Moreno criticizes election deniers
After the 2020 presidential election, Moreno criticized those who denied the results.
April 2021: Moreno enters Senate race
Moreno entered the Republican primary race for the U.S. Senate in April 2021, aiming to replace retiring incumbent Rob Portman.
2021: Moreno expresses belief that 2020 election was "stolen"
In 2021, Moreno expressed his belief that the 2020 election was "stolen".
February 3, 2022: Moreno withdraws from Senate race
Moreno dropped out of the Senate race on February 3, 2022, after reportedly meeting with Donald Trump.
2022: Moreno expresses strong anti-abortion stance
In a 2022 interview, Moreno described himself as "Absolute pro-life. No exceptions."
April 10, 2023: Moreno files for 2024 Senate race
Moreno filed paperwork to run for Ohio's Class I U.S. Senate seat on April 10, 2023.
December 2023: Trump endorses Moreno
Donald Trump endorsed Moreno for the Senate race in December 2023.
2023: Moreno's stance on Ukraine and Israel
In 2023, Moreno called for an end to U.S. support for Ukraine in the Russo-Ukrainian War. He also expressed support for Israel and argued against additional U.S. funding for Israel after the Hamas attack.
2023: Moreno suggests reparations for descendants of Civil War soldiers
In 2023, Moreno suggested that reparations should be paid to descendants of Civil War soldiers who contributed to freeing slaves.
2023: Moreno donates to anti-abortion campaign
In 2023, Moreno's campaign revealed a $100,000 donation to Protect Women Ohio Fund, an anti-abortion rights campaign.
2023: Moreno settles wage theft lawsuits
Moreno settled over a dozen wage theft lawsuits and was ordered to pay over $400,000 to two former employees in 2023, before his U.S. Senate campaign. A judge also rebuked him for shredding documents related to the case.
March 2024: Report on Moreno facing discrimination lawsuits
A March 2024 report revealed Moreno faced two lawsuits alleging gender and age-based discrimination. His campaign responded by stating the employees now support his Senate run.
March 2024: Moreno's evolving stance on abortion and contraception
During a March 2024 debate, Moreno supported abortion exceptions for rape, incest, and the woman's life being in danger, and expressed support for access to contraception. He later opposed the Right to Contraception Act, with a spokesman claiming Moreno supports birth control access but not "far-left gimmicks". He supports a 15-week federal abortion ban.
March 2024: Report on Adult FriendFinder Account
In March 2024, an Associated Press report surfaced about an Adult FriendFinder account created with access to Moreno's email, soliciting men for sex. The profile contained Moreno's birthdate and geolocation data pointed to a Fort Lauderdale area where his parents owned a home. A former intern claimed responsibility, calling it an "aborted prank".
March 19, 2024: Moreno wins Republican primary
Moreno won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate race on March 19, 2024, defeating Matt Dolan and Frank LaRose.
August 2024: Moreno's daughter's divorce
As of August 2024, Moreno and his wife, Bridget, lived in Westlake, Ohio with their four adult children. His daughter, Emily, who was married to Congressman Max Miller, filed for divorce in August 2024.
2024: Moreno accuses LGBT supporters of "radical agenda"
During his 2024 Senate run, Moreno accused LGBT rights supporters of having a "radical agenda of indoctrination".
2024: Bernardo Moreno elected as U.S. Senator for Ohio
In 2024, Bernardo Moreno was the Republican nominee and defeated incumbent Sherrod Brown to become the U.S. Senator-elect for Ohio.
2024: Moreno embraces Trump endorsement
In 2024, Moreno proudly displayed his endorsement from President Trump.
2024: Moreno's campaign distances itself from his previous gun control stance
Moreno's campaign stated in 2024 that his prior support for background checks and limits on magazine capacity was no longer his position.