Carey, a former coal lobbyist, was relatively unknown when he began his first run for office. He stated on his website that he would bring America first policies and that he would support the former president. Carey ran on a conservative Republican platform that opposed congressional Democratic policies regarding spending, renewable energy and immigration.Carey was also critical of his self-description as an outsider, just like his most prominent supporter.Trump acted aggressively after the Texas loss last week to avoid a second in consecutive weeks. Trump held a last-minute rally for Carey Monday night, his second such event since July 20.In the last week, a pro Trump PAC spent over $350,000 on digital campaign ads. This sum was higher than what most candidates, Carey included. It was also more than they had spent on their campaigns before mid-July when disclosures of campaign spending were due.Carey was faced with some challenges, including opposition from conservative PACs, which poured hundreds of thousand of dollars into his campaign. Low turnout was expected because the special primary took place in the middle of the summer. This added an element of uncertainty to the race for the conservative, crowded field.Former state Rep. Ron Hood was one of Careys Republican opponents. He had the support of Kentucky Senator Rand Paul and other groups associated with the libertarian-aligned senator. Former Republican Rep. Steve Stivers spent large amounts from his campaign account to support GOP state Rep. Jeff LaRe.Representative Steve Stivers (R.Ohio), Chair, National Republican Congressional Committee speaks at a White Sulphur Springs news briefing, West Virginia. Alex Wong/Getty ImagesCarey was one the favorites to win the primary. He outperformed other Republicans in a June poll that was conducted by his campaign. This was as Carey praised Trump's endorsement. The No. 1 Trump ally is New York Rep. Elise Stefanik. Carey was also supported by Citizens United and 3 Republican in Congress, as well as one of his former campaign advisors, Elise Stefanik, the New York Rep.Carey was running with 10 other Republican candidates to fill the vacancy left by Stivers. Stivers resigned in May to take control of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Carey will face off against Allison Russo (one of two Democratic candidates) in the general election on Nov. 2.The region is conservative. Trump won Ohio's 15th District by double-digits twice. It has been controlled almost entirely by Republicans for decades. Carey, who made it through the primary, was able to glide into the House.Alex Isenstadt contributed to the article.
