COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A candidate in Ohio’s Republican primary for U.S. Senate gained more support last week.

Sherrod Brown, the Democrat incumbent in Ohio’s 2024 U.S. Senate election, awaits an opponent in the general election as state Sen. Matt Dolan, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and businessman Bernie Moreno compete for the Republican nomination. The three will meet face-to-face Monday night in a debate less than two months before Election Day on March 19.

Here are developments from the past week.

Brown on potential opponents

As Brown awaits the primary results, the senator has avoided giving attention to the GOP hopefuls, but he did speak about the race with debate moderators Colleen Marshall of NBC4 and Joe Toohey of Fox 8.

Brown highlighted the wealthy backgrounds of his opponents and said he expects the Ohio race to be one of the most expensive in the country. But for now, Brown said he will remain focused on his work at the Capitol.

“I’ll let the rich guys fight it out in the primary,” Brown said.

Dolan’s ‘Women for Matt’ coalition

Dolan announced a statewide “Women for Matt” Coalition. The group is made up of more than 150 women leaders, activists and elected officials.

“Matt Dolan has demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to women, including economic empowerment, security, education and protecting parents’ rights,” said a joint statement signed by coalition members.

Discrimination lawsuits against Moreno resurface

Multiple discrimination lawsuits filed against Moreno in Cuyahoga County between 2015 and 2017 resurfaced after being uncovered by the Associated Press. The lawsuits alleged discrimination against employees as he prepared for the sale of his Cleveland car dealership. Two of the suits accused Moreno of gender and age discrimination, respectively. The third suit did not name Moreno specifically but accused a dealership run by a Bernie Moreno Cos. subsidiary of racial discrimination.

A campaign spokesman said the two employees who sued Moreno directly now support him in his Senate campaign, according to the Associated Press.

Claims in one of the suits include a former employee, Cara Wilson, who said Moreno repeatedly belittled her about being a mother, at times doing so in front of peers. Wilson told the court that Moreno said to her, “Lots of people are single parents, put your kids in f—— daycare.”

Wilson said that she and Moreno “are great friends now,” according to the Associated Press. She declined to speak further but noted that she hosted a fundraiser for his campaign last fall.

Endorsements for Moreno

Moreno continued to consolidate support within the Republican Party, with the Summit County GOP, from LaRose’s home county, being just one endorsement he gained. In addition, Moreno received endorsements from the Republican parties in Brown, Preble , Warren and Greene counties.

Sen. John Barrasso, GOP conference chair and the No. 3 Senate Republican, also endorsed Moreno on Tuesday. Those are on top of his endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

Endorsement for Dolan

Dolan announced the endorsement of Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development and former Findlay mayor.

“In both the public and private sector, Matt has delivered wins for Ohio,” Mihalik said. “From cutting taxes to supporting law enforcement and protecting our natural resources, Matt is the candidate with the record of pro-growth, pro-conservative wins who will continue to deliver wins for the people of Ohio.”