COLUMBIANA CO., Ohio (WKBN) – Wednesday was a big night for the Columbiana County Republican Party. Donald Trump, Jr. was the guest speaker for its annual Lincoln Day Dinner. He made two stops while visiting the area.

“This is ‘Trump Country.’ Just an incredible place. Glad to be back in Ohio,” Trump, Jr. said.

The Spread Eagle Tavern in Hanoverton was filled Wednesday evening. Many were eager to snag a photo with Trump, Jr. and hear a speech before the Lincoln Day Dinner.

Trump, Jr. and former President Donald Trump were in the county just a few months ago.

“Well, it all started when President Trump and Don, Jr. came to East Palestine, Ohio, during the derailment. I just couldn’t believe the way they embraced that community,” said Dave Johnson, chairman of the Columbiana County Republican Party.

Johnson said both the pre-reception and dinner served as a fundraiser for the party.

“We try to raise the money that we need to elect our candidates and that’s what these events are for,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s event brought about 500 people out to the Timberlanes Banquet Center in Salem to hear the former president’s son speak. A major talking point by Trump, Jr. was the train derailment in East Palestine.

“I’ve watched the Biden administration neglect one of the greatest disasters probably in the state, certainly in my lifetime, or at least recently while he was in Ukraine,” Trump, Jr. said.

Trump, Jr. said he doesn’t believe the latest headlines on his father will have an impact on this next election.

“I think people understand now, perhaps more than ever, again, just how far we’ve fallen. Just how far the other side’s willing to go to lie about all of those things. Again, I think you look at the results and you see it’s pretty clear you need Donald Trump. You need someone who can actually fix this, someone who will actually fight back, someone who can actually tear it all down because I think that’s where we’re at,” Trump, Jr. said.

Johnson has the same thoughts on the former president.

“I honestly think the only one that can turn this around is Donald J. Trump,” Johnson said.

Both Trump, Jr. and Johnson said the Senate race in 2024 for Ohio is an important race.