Republican JD Vance has been endorsed by Ohio鈥檚 oldest and largest anti-abortion group, Ohio Right to Life.

The announcement Thursday could distinguish the venture capitalist and author of 鈥淗illbilly Elegy鈥� with GOP primary voters in the crowded race to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Rob Portman.

Early voting is already underway in the May 3 primary. Marshal Pitchford, board chair for the Ohio Right to Life Society, called Vance the best candidate to continue Portman鈥檚 鈥渆xemplary pro-life service and statesmanship.鈥�

The organization noted that all four leading candidates in the seven-way primary scored 100% on the survey used to help determine their endorsement.