When Bernie Moreno joined Breaking Battlegrounds in May 2024, he was a first-time Senate candidate talking about protecting the American dream. Six months later he beat a three-term incumbent. Today he is one of the most outspoken America First voices in the Senate.
In fall 2026 he is pushing a bill to keep Chinese connected cars off American roads, leading Ohio’s bid for the Space Force Academy, and making national headlines over artificial intelligence. Here is who he is and what he is doing.
Bernie Moreno is a Republican U.S. Senator from Ohio, elected in November 2024 after defeating Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, he moved to the U.S. at age five and became a citizen at 18. Before politics he built one of the largest car dealership groups in America. He lives in Westlake, Ohio, with his wife, Bridget.
Who Is Bernie Moreno?
Moreno was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and moved to the United States with his family at age five. He became an American citizen at 18.
He bought his first car dealership in 2005, investing everything he had. He grew that single store into one of the largest dealership groups in the country.
In 2016 he became an early investor in blockchain technology. In 2018 he co-founded ChampTitles, a company that helps states move away from paper vehicle titles. He served as its board chairman before selling his stake.
He later sold most of his businesses to run for office. He has said he was motivated by COVID-era lockdowns, school closures, and what he saw as Washington’s failure to confront the Chinese Communist Party.
Bernie Moreno's Wife and Family
Moreno lives in Westlake, Ohio, with his wife, Bridget. They have four adult children.
Bernie Moreno's Path to the Senate
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Buys his first car dealership |
| 2018 | Co-founds ChampTitles |
| 2024 | Wins the Ohio Republican Senate primary with Trump's backing |
| November 2024 | Defeats Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown |
| January 2025 | Sworn in as U.S. Senator from Ohio |
| April 2026 | Introduces the Connected Vehicle Security Act |
The Connected Vehicle Security Act
Moreno’s most significant legislation in 2026 is the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 (S.4429), introduced on April 29, 2026. The bipartisan bill would ban the import and sale of internet-connected vehicles from China and other foreign adversaries. Supporters argue those cars could collect data on Americans or be exploited for cyberattacks.
The bill has 55 cosponsors and passed the Senate Commerce Committee in July 2026. On September 22, 2026, it was placed on the Senate legislative calendar.
It has not moved quickly. According to reporting in late September, Senator Rand Paul has been holding up the bill on the floor. Moreno also publicly pushed back on a Wall Street Journal article he said misrepresented the legislation.
Bernie Moreno's Latest News
Space Force Academy Bid
On September 21, 2026, Moreno, Senator Jon Husted, Rep. Mike Turner, and Ohio’s statewide leaders launched a joint effort to bring a new U.S. Space Force Academy to Dayton. They pointed to Ohio’s status as the birthplace of aviation. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman later said Ohio has a good shot at landing it.
Immigration and Licensing
In September 2026, Moreno and Husted introduced a bill to ban drive-only licenses for people in the country illegally.
Artificial Intelligence
On October 5, 2026, Axios reported that Moreno had sent a letter to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei ahead of the company’s expected public offering. In it, Moreno criticized what he called an “alarmist approach” to AI. He argued that public debate should focus more on national security and on keeping the United States ahead of China.
Related Breaking Battlegrounds Discussion
Moreno joined Chuck Warren and Sam Stone for Podcast 191: Exploring White House Policies with Jeff Mordock and Bernie Moreno on the American Dream, recorded May 18, 2024. According to the episode summary, Moreno, then a Senate candidate, shared his vision for protecting the American dream.
The same episode featured Jeff Mordock, White House reporter for The Washington Times, on the Biden administration, China tariffs, and the presidential debates. For another conversation on the American dream, listen to Congressman Burgess Owens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bernie Moreno's wife?
Bernie Moreno is married to Bridget Moreno. The couple lives in Westlake, Ohio, and has four adult children.
Where is Bernie Moreno from?
Bernie Moreno was born in Bogotá, Colombia. He moved to the United States with his family at age five and became an American citizen at 18. He built his business career in Ohio, where he owned one of the largest car dealership groups in the country.
When was Bernie Moreno elected?
Bernie Moreno was elected to the U.S. Senate from Ohio in November 2024, defeating Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown. He took office in January 2025.
What is the Connected Vehicle Security Act?
The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 (S.4429), sponsored by Bernie Moreno, would ban the import and sale of internet-connected vehicles from China and other foreign adversaries. It has 55 cosponsors and passed the Senate Commerce Committee in July 2026. It was placed on the Senate calendar on September 22, 2026.
Conclusion
Bernie Moreno’s story is a classic American immigrant arc: a child from Bogotá who built a business empire and then won a Senate seat. In office, he has focused on China, technology, and economic nationalism, often taking his fights public.
Whether his Connected Vehicle Security Act reaches a floor vote will be an early test of his ability to turn that energy into law.
Related Reads
Sources
- Office of Senator Bernie Moreno, press releases, September 2026: https://www.moreno.senate.gov/media/press-releases/
- gov, S.4429, Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026
- Axios, “GOP senator warns Anthropic of ‘alarmist’ approach to AI,” October 5, 2026
- Breitbart, “America First Champion Senator Bernie Moreno Steps into the Fight Club,” September 26, 2026
- Breaking Battlegrounds, Podcast 191 episode page, recorded May 18, 2024
Editorial Note: This article is intended for informational and analytical purposes. Political developments, policies, polling, and public statements can change over time. Readers should consult primary sources and official government information for the latest details.
