Sen. Bernie Moreno speaks during a rally with President Donald Trump at the Shoemaker Center in Chillicothe, Ohio on Oct. 28, 2026.
USA TODAY Network, Reuters
CHILLICOTHE- President Donald Trump took the stage Oct. 28 at the Shoemaker Center to rally support Ohio Republicans in the midterm elections.
Before the rally, elected officials said they hoped to hear Trump talk about the rising cost of living and efforts to move government contracts for nitrile gloves from overseas to Chillicothe.
While much of the rally focused on statewide issues and candidates, several speakers highlighted Ross County during their speeches.
U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Amelia, said Trump has brought millions of dollars to Ohio. He specifically mentioned the Kenworth truck plant, one of Ross County’s largest employers, saying it would continue to grow because of Trump’s support.
Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, also talked about the plant, saying it made the “absolute greatest semis.” He credited Trump’s tariffs for helping American businesses succeed. He also credited tariffs on foreign companies put in place by Trump for helping American businesses succeed.
“Because we want American-made semis on American-made roads with American-made drivers,” Moreno said.
In 2025, Moreno supported keeping the Pixelle paper mill open through the end of the year. He said HIG Capital had agreed to delay the closure to give people more time to find a solution. The mill, however, closed before the end of the year.
Moreno called the mill’s closure a “gut punch” to the community, but some people continue to work at the site. Moreno pointed out attendees at the rally who were working at the U.S. Paper Mill making nitrile gloves. He said he would not rest until the site is fully staffed.
“We’re going to make paper again there,” Moreno said.
Alignment Engine, which is leasing land at the mill site for a data hall, has made similar statements saying the Chief paper machine would eventually restart.
U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, also talked about Kenworth, recalling a call from the plant manager who told him the Chillicothe operation was being undercut by plants in Mexico. Husted credited Trump with helping save the plant and adding 1,000 jobs.
When Trump took the stage, much of his speech focused on Ohio races and national issues. When talking about the jobs he is bringing to the country, Trump also celebrated the fact that papermaking was coming back to Chillicothe with the U.S. Paper Mill. He also talked about his love for tariffs and how they have helped Kenworth and other American businesses.
“More Americans are working today than at any time in the history of our country,” Trump said.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Trump rally puts spotlight on Chillicothe jobs, Kenworth
Reporting by Shelby Reeves, Chillicothe Gazette / Chillicothe Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published October 29, 2026 at 12:09 AM.
