In the race for Ohio's Republican primary for U.S. Senate, undecided voters like Wesley Starr, 73, are considering the merits of the three candidates vying for the nomination. Starr, among many others, views businessman Bernie Moreno's endorsement from former President Donald Trump as a significant advantage. However, other Republican voters, such as Ben Batenburg, 73, and Linda Ragsdale, 66, assert that they value individual policies and make their decisions independent of endorsements.

The primary contest is attracting considerable attention because it will shape one of the most crucial Senate races in the country. Republican voters across Ohio are weighing various factors to inform their choices. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose's record in office and military experience, Matt Dolan's attempt to appeal to different Republican factions while supporting Trump, and Moreno's alignment with the MAGA movement and Trump's endorsement are all being taken into account.

To gauge the preferences and priorities of Republican and independent voters in Ohio, NBC News interviewed over 30 individuals across the state. Many expressed their support for Trump and considered his endorsement as significant. Brian Kolkowski, an unwavering Trump supporter since 2015, acknowledged the impact of Trump's endorsement on Moreno's candidacy, emphasizing the importance of having a team in place that can enact Trump's policies.

Moreno, in his relentless efforts to align himself with Trump and the MAGA movement, has secured the support of prominent figures such as Sen. JD Vance, Rep. Jim Jordan, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. They are scheduled to speak at Trump's upcoming rally with Moreno. The businessman believes that their collective presence demonstrates their intention to transform the Republican Party to prioritize working-class Americans, putting forward policies aligned with the America First agenda.

Despite the sway of Trump's endorsement, not all voters are convinced. Batenburg, for instance, supports Trump, but he plans to vote for LaRose due to shared policy stances. Similarly, Ragsdale emphasizes the importance of free will and independent decision-making despite her belief in Trump. Their views highlight that endorsements alone are not decisive factors in their choices.

LaRose, during a meet and greet event, addressed concerns about Trump's endorsement of Moreno by emphasizing that most voters do not base their decisions solely on endorsements. He underscored his excellent relationship with Trump and asserted his commitment to standing with the former president in the U.S. Senate.

At the final Republican Senate primary debate, some voters questioned why Jordan, Vance, and Trump supported Moreno. LaRose responded by encouraging them to pose that question to the endorsers directly. He also reassured voters of his alignment with Trump's values, promising to be his strongest ally in the U.S. Senate.

Meanwhile, Dolan gained the support of voters like Nick McNeil, 20, who preferred Dolan over Moreno due to concern about the Trump endorsement. McNeil's decision underscores that opinions differ even among voters evaluating the same candidates.

While immigration and border security emerged as significant concerns for Republican voters in Ohio, opinions on other policy matters diverge. Dorene Evans, 63, who supports LaRose, believes that immigration is "out of control" and fears potential terrorists entering the country. Stephen Bastian, 24, who supports Dolan, emphasizes the importance of keeping the country safe and protected through strong border security measures.

As the Ohio Republican primary approaches, undecided voters will have to weigh the endorsements, policies, and personal preferences of the three candidates. The outcome of this closely-watched race will determine the Republican nominee who will face Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in the general election.

Overall, the race highlights the division within the Republican Party, where voters are grappling with whether to adhere to traditional values or seek a change in representation. Ultimately, Ohio Republicans face the challenge of deciding how their party will navigate the political landscape.