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Sherrod Brown Set to Challenge Jon Husted in Ohio’s 2026 Special Senate Race

His reported decision delivers Democrats a top recruit as Republicans consolidate support around Husted with early polling indicating a modest lead.

Sherrod Brown at a campaign rally in Cincinnati last year.
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) addresses members of the Local 23 and 25 food service and hospitality labor workers' unions during a picket line to protest against Capitol food service worker layoffs, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 6, 2022. REUTERS/Tom Brenner/File Photo
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) speaks with the media as he attends a press conference after inspecting the site of a train derailment of hazardous material in East Palestine, Ohio, U.S., February 16, 2023. REUTERS/Alan Freed/File Photo
In this October 2024 photo, Sherrod Brown speaks during a campaign event at UAW Local 1112 in Warren, Ohio.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets reported between August 12 and 14 that Brown intends to re-enter the Senate race to challenge appointed Sen. Jon Husted, though no formal campaign launch has been made.
  • Brown has been interviewing potential campaign managers and taking steps consistent with a pending announcement, according to Axios and NBC News.
  • Democrats view Brown’s comeback bid as a recruitment coup that could help narrow the gap in their effort to reclaim the Senate majority in 2026.
  • Republicans have rallied quickly behind Husted, securing President Trump’s endorsement and National Republican Senatorial Committee backing to defend a seat in a state that has trended rightward.
  • Early polls show Husted holding a modest lead over Brown, and the Crystal Ball has shifted the Ohio race rating from Likely to Lean Republican.