Ohio Democrats campaign to win Senate seat in primaries and midterms
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 4
Ohio Democrats campaign to win Senate seat in primaries and midterms
7 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 4
In Tuesday's primary, Sherrod Brown is expected to face Republican incumbent Jon Husted in a November special election for JD Vance's former seat.
Democrats see Ohio as one of four key states for retaking the Senate, with super PAC spending expected to soar after Republicans pledged $79m.
Brown is tying Husted to high gas prices, Trump's Iran war and the FirstEnergy scandal, while Republicans bank on Trump's enduring strength in working-class areas such as Youngstown.
With a vital global waterway closed, what are the lasting impacts on supply chains and consumer prices?
Ohio’s 2026 Senate Special Election: Sherrod Brown vs. Jon Husted in a High-Stakes Toss-Up
Overview
Sherrod Brown won Ohio's Democratic Senate primary on May 5, 2026, helped by a strong fundraising advantage and key labor union endorsements. His victory set the stage for a highly competitive general election against incumbent Republican Jon Husted, who was appointed in January 2025. The race is rated a Toss-Up due to Ohio's economic challenges and Husted's untested status. Massive outside spending supports both candidates, with Brown holding a cash lead and Republicans investing heavily through groups like the Senate Leadership Fund. Economic and healthcare issues dominate voter concerns, making the November 3, 2026 election a critical test for control of the U.S. Senate.