J.D. Vance secures Trump endorsement in hotly contested Ohio Senate race

Author J.D. Vance’s bid for the hotly contested Republican US Senate seat in Ohio got a boost Friday when he was endorsed by his former adversary Donald Trump.

The endorsement in the GOP primary race came after Vance, 37, walked back previous criticisms of Trump in a charm offensive meant to secure his backing in the race — which is expected to largely be decided by supporters of the ex-president.

Trump gave the coveted nod to Vance over rivals Josh Mandel, Mike Gibbons and Jane Timken, calling him “the candidate most qualified and ready to win in November,” in a statement.

“It is all about winning!” he added.

During the 2016 campaign the venture capitalist and “Hillbilly Elegy” author called Trump “noxious,” “reprehensible” and an “idiot,” before stating last summer he was a “good president” as he threw his hat into the ring.