'In a fight for our existential existence.' Donald Trump Jr. seeks GOP support in Salem

SALEM − Donald Trump Jr. on Wednesday said the 2024 election will be extremely important for Republicans.

"This is our last chance to get back the U.S. Senate this decade," he told the Columbiana County Republican Party.

Trump Jr., 45, the eldest son of former President Donald Trump, was the keynote speaker at the party's annual Lincoln Day Dinner in Salem. Between the private fundraising reception and dinner, at least 600 people attended the event.

Among those joining Trump Jr. were U.S. Senate Republican candidate Bernie Moreno and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, along with longtime Columbiana County Republican Party Chairman Dave Johnson.

Opinion column: GOP candidates who refuse support Trump if he wins nomination should be disqualified | Moreno

Trump Jr. was invited by Moreno to speak. His appearance was free to the local party.

During his speech, Trump Jr. mocked President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell and the Democratic Party. He also claimed the media is "the enemy of the people," something his father has repeatedly said, alleging they acquiesce to President Joe Biden.

He also repeated claims made on Twitter that Washington state passed legislation that allowed children to be legally taken from their parents if their parents don't consent to their gender transition. USA Today has fact-checked this claim and said it is false.

Still, Trump Jr. told the audience: "We're in a fight for our existential existence for everything that we hold near and dear." He said his father, who is again seeking the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, is the "only guy" who can fix the country.

"Let him go in there and let us tear it down to the ground," Trump Jr. said to a standing ovation.

Moreno invited Trump Jr. to Salem

In 2024, there will 33 Senate seats up for election. Twenty of them are held by Democrats, including Ohio's Sherrod Brown. Three seats are held by independents who caucus with Democrats. The other 10 seats are held by Republicans.

Moreno, a wealthy Cleveland businessman, is looking to unseat Brown.

Ohio Senate race: Democrat Sherrod Brown draws first GOP challenger in key 2024 contest

"We've had corrupt insider politicians that go to Washington, D.C., not for public service but to make themselves wealthier, more famous and take our hard-earned tax dollars and use it for their benefit," he told the audience.

LaRose, who also reportedly might run for Senate, dismissed Brown.

He said Brown has convinced people "that he's some kind of blue collar, working man's hero," and LaRose said that's not true. "(Brown) is the leftist of the first order and he's pushing dangerous policies."

Local GOP chairman praised Trump Jr.

Johnson, who has been the party chairman since 1989, was elated with how the event went.

"I thought Donald Trump Jr. hit it out of the ballpark," Johnson said afterward. "He's a great public speaker. He introduces a little bit of humor, and yet, serious messaging."

Prior to the speeches, Johnson announced that the local Republican Party now controls all elected county offices, saying county Clerk of Court Anthony J. Dattilo, a longtime Democrat, has switched parties.

A private reception was held before the dinner at the Spread Eagle Tavern in Hanoverton. The dinner was at the Timberlanes Banquet Center.

Other Republican officials in attendance included East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway, state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, state Sen. Michael Rulli and Mahoning County Republican Party Chairman Tom McCabe.

East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway: 'They're getting better daily.'

Conaway said conditions from the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment have improved.

Trump Jr. criticized the initial federal response to the disaster and praised Conaway's leadership during his speech.

Led by former President Donald Trump, Trump Jr. and U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance visited East Palestine on Feb. 22. The train was carrying hazardous materials when it crashed on Feb. 3. A couple days later, a controlled release of vinyl chloride, a toxic chemical, was conducted.

"I hope it got the attention you needed," Trump Jr. told Conaway.

In response, Conaway said: "The visit from your father and you really changed the way people saw our town. They realized we needed help. We had the EPA there and other agencies, but we truly got help after your visit. We thank you."

More: Norfolk Southern reaches 'milestone' as clean up with track replacement in East Palestine

Following the dinner, Conaway updated the situation. He said one of the two tracks remains shut down while cleanup efforts continue.

"They're getting better daily. The one track, all the dirt remediation is done, and they're working on the other track," he said. "They're saying three more months minimum to get stuff done."

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Donald Trump Jr. stresses 2024 to Columbiana County GOP in Salem