We have some breaking news right now: In a political bombshell, former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown announced, in a Substack exclusive, today that he will run for Senate in 2026, setting the stage for a blockbuster moment in one of the most hotly contested races in the country.
Brown, a Democrat who first won a Senate seat in 2006 and held it through three grueling terms, said he’s ready to return to the fight after losing to Republican Bernie Moreno last November. At 72, Brown emphasized that his mission hasn’t changed: to represent working-class Ohioans who feel forgotten by Washington.
If you value independent reporting like this—being on the streets, documenting what others won’t—consider subscribing. It’s what allows me to keep showing up, night after night, where the story really is.
Subscribe
Brown will now face Republican Jon Husted, the former lieutenant governor appointed to the Senate by Gov. Mike DeWine after JD Vance vacated the seat to become vice president. Husted, armed with Trump’s endorsement and a multimillion-dollar war chest, is already gearing up for a bruising campaign.
Democrats see Brown as their strongest chance to flip a seat in a year when they must pick up four to reclaim Senate control.
The Ohio race is already shaping up as one of the most consequential contests of 2026. Out of the 22 GOP seats on the ballot, very few are considered competitive. Brown’s candidacy instantly puts Ohio in play, giving Democrats hope of clawing back ground in a state Trump carried by 11 points just last year.
The winner of the race will not only shape the Senate’s balance of power but will also finish out JD Vance’s term, meaning another high-stakes election awaits in 2028.
With his announcement today, Brown effectively clears the Democratic primary field and reestablishes himself as the face of the party in Ohio. His return ensures that, once again, the Buckeye State will be at the center of America’s political drama.