Bernie Moreno is a United States Senator from Ohio, serving since January 2025. He is a member of the Republican Party and is known for his strong advocacy in the crypto and blockchain sectors, as well as his previous career in the automotive industry and technology entrepreneurship. ^{[1] [2]}​

Early Life and Education

Bernardo Francisco Moreno Mejía was born on February 14, 1967, in Bogotá, Colombia. He moved to the United States at the age of five, settling in Florida where he was raised. Moreno is a naturalized U.S. citizen, having obtained citizenship at the age of 18 when he also renounced his Colombian citizenship. He attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration. ^{[4] [1] [3]}

Business Career

Moreno began his professional journey at General Motors as an analyst and later became the general manager of a Saturn dealership in Massachusetts. ^[1] In 2005, he relocated to Ohio and purchased a Mercedes-Benz dealership in North Olmsted. Over the following years, he expanded his holdings, eventually overseeing one of the largest automotive dealership groups in the country. ^[2]

In 2016, recognizing the transformative potential of blockchain technology, Moreno shifted his focus and invested in this burgeoning field, notably founding the blockchain-based technology company, Ownum. ^[3]

Political Career

Senate Elections

Initially, Moreno attempted to run for the U.S. Senate in 2022 but withdrew before the primaries. In 2024, with the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, Moreno successfully won the Republican primary and subsequently defeated incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown in the general elections. ^{[1] [5]}

Senate Tenure

Bernie Moreno assumed office as the junior U.S. Senator from Ohio on January 3, 2025. Shortly thereafter, he became the senior senator when JD Vance resigned to assume the vice presidency. During his tenure, Moreno has focused heavily on technology and economic issues, including advocating policies to solidify the U.S. position as a leader in blockchain development. ^{[6] [7]}

Committee Assignments

In the Senate, Moreno serves on several key committees including Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and the Budget Committee. ^[4]

Political Positions

Moreno has displayed a keen interest in technological advancement and economic competitiveness on the global stage. He co-sponsored and supported various bills aimed at enhancing the blockchain ecosystem in the U.S., such as the Deploying American Blockchains Act. ^[8]

On foreign policy, Moreno has taken a staunch pro-Israel stance, while advocating for a reduction in U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts, most notably the Russo-Ukrainian War. ^[1]

Concerning social issues, Moreno's positions include being pro-life with exceptions and supporting border security measures. He has also called for the end of birthright citizenship and opposed comprehensive immigration reform that includes pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. ^[1]