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D Democratic · U.S. Senate (special), Ohio · Nov 3, 2026

Sherrod
Brown

Former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is the 2026 Democratic nominee in Ohio's Senate special election against appointed incumbent Jon Husted.

Researched checked 7 d ago
sources
43
positions
12
endorsements
11
sherrodbrown.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)TikTok(opens in a new tab)Bluesky(opens in a new tab)YouTube(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)Instagram(opens in a new tab)
Opponents Jon Husted R+ 2 more Compare race →

Background

Sherrod Brown is an Ohio Democratic politician with a long career in public service. He was born and raised in Mansfield, Ohio, and holds a B.A. from Yale University (1974) and master's degrees in education and public administration from Ohio State University (1979 and 1981). Before entering elected office full-time, he taught at Ohio State University's Mansfield campus from 1979 to 1981. 16

Brown served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1975 to 1982, then as Ohio Secretary of State from 1983 to 1991. He represented Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 3, 1993, to January 3, 2007, before winning election to the U.S. Senate, where he served from January 3, 2007, to January 3, 2025. 1

Brown lost his 2024 Senate reelection bid and left office in January 2025. He subsequently won the Democratic nomination in the 2026 Ohio U.S. Senate special election, which is scheduled for November 3, 2026. His Republican opponent is Jon Husted, the appointed incumbent. 1513

Brown's campaign emphasizes fighting for Ohio workers and positions him as a labor-focused Democrat. His campaign website and social media accounts remain active as he pursues the special election seat. 1019

At a glance

Party
Democratic
Running for
U.S. Senate (special), Ohio
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
Candidate for U.S. Senate (Ohio Special Election, 2026)
Website
sherrodbrown.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Voting record

How Sherrod Brown voted in Congress: 118th Congress (2023–24), Jan 23, 2023 to Dec 21, 2024. From the official House and Senate roll call records.

roll call votes
691
missed
1.4%
with their party’s majority
97%

Recent key votes

  • Dec 21, 2024 · Senate · HR10545 · Taxes & budget
    A bill making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and for other purposes.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Dec 21, 2024 · Senate · HR82 · Economy & jobs
    A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to repeal the Government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • Sep 25, 2024 · Senate · HR9747 · Taxes & budget
    A bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2025, and for other purposes.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • May 21, 2024 · Senate · SJRES58 · Climate & energy
    A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Furnaces".
    On the Joint Resolution · Joint Resolution Passed · against their party's majority
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes
  • May 16, 2024 · Senate · HJRES109 · Economy & jobs
    A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to "Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121".
    On the Joint Resolution · Joint Resolution Passed
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • May 15, 2024 · Senate · SJRES57 · Taxes & budget
    A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Treasury relating to "Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds".
    On the Joint Resolution · Joint Resolution Defeated
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • Apr 19, 2024 · Senate · HR7888 · Foreign policy & defense
    A bill to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Passed · against their party's majority
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    No
  • Apr 18, 2024 · Senate · S4072 · Climate & energy
    A bill to prohibit the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce certain rules of the Environmental Protection Agency.
    On Passage of the Bill · Bill Defeated · against their party's majority
    Official roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)
    Yes

Key votes are final decisions on bills and joint resolutions, and top nominations. Software sorts each into an issue from its official title, so check the roll call. All 691 votes →

Timeline

  1. Oct 10
    news
    Brown campaign posts update with three weeks to go, citing competitive race

    Brown's campaign published a substack update three weeks before the November 3 election, highlighting the competitive dynamics of the race against Husted.

    Update on our race with three weeks to go · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 9
    news
    Ohio Senate race tightness forces Republicans to surge spending in the state

    State News reported that the competitiveness of the Ohio Senate race between Brown and Husted forced the GOP to pour additional resources into the contest.

    Ohio US Senate race: Tight race forces GOP to surge in ... · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 9
    controversy
    JD Vance attacks Sherrod Brown as GOP surges resources into tight Ohio Senate race

    Vice President JD Vance publicly attacked Sherrod Brown as Republicans moved to surge resources into the Ohio Senate race, reflecting GOP concern that their hold on the seat could slip.

    JD Vance attacks Amy Acton, Sherrod Brown as GOP hold on Ohio could slip · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 8
    filing
    Brown campaign manager says over 117,000 donors gave in September; $1M+ raised on one deadline day

    Brown campaign manager Patrick Eisenhauer stated that more than 117,000 supporters donated in September and that the campaign raised more than $1 million on ActBlue on a single deadline day, ahead of the Oct. 14 FEC quarterly deadline.

    A message from Patrick Eisenhauer, Sherrod Brown's ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 8
    news
    Newsweek examines risks in Sherrod Brown's youth vote strategy

    Newsweek reported on the potential vulnerabilities in Brown's strategy of relying heavily on younger voters to offset Ohio's Republican lean in the Senate race.

    The Risk Facing Sherrod Brown's Youth Vote Strategy · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 8
    poll
    CNN poll finds Brown leading Husted 49%–43% among Ohio registered voters

    A CNN poll of 760 registered voters, fielded Sept. 29–Oct. 5, found Brown at 49% and Husted at 43%, with a margin of error of ±4.5 points.

    CNN Poll: Brown Leads Husted by 6 Points in Ohio · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 7
    poll
    co/efficient poll finds Husted at 44%, Brown at 43% among Ohio likely voters

    A co/efficient poll of 925 likely voters conducted Oct. 6–7 found Husted narrowly leading Brown 44% to 43%, showing a very tight race.

    2026 Ohio Senate Polling - The Hill and DDHQ · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Oct 7
    poll
    Brown's polling lead defies Ohio's Republican shift, Newsweek reports

    Newsweek reported that Brown's polling lead was notable given Ohio's broader trend toward Republicans, analyzing why Brown was outperforming the state's partisan lean.

    Sherrod Brown's Polling Lead Defies Ohio's Republican Shift · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Oct 7
    debate
    Brown offers to debate Husted but no date or confirmation secured

    Cleveland.com reported that Brown had offered to debate Husted, but as of Oct. 7 no debate date had been confirmed. The outlet praised both candidates for being willing to debate.

    A salute to the two Ohio candidates brave enough to debate! Today in Ohio · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Oct 7
    filing
    WVXU publishes Ohio voter guide listing Brown vs. Husted on Nov. 3 Senate ballot

    WVXU's Ohio voter guide confirmed Brown and Husted as the candidates on the November 3, 2026 special election ballot for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by JD Vance.

    Your voter guide to Ohio's November 2026 election - 91.7 WVXU · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Oct 6
    poll
    Sherrod Brown leads in Ohio Senate race, per Political Wire aggregation

    Political Wire reported that polling showed Sherrod Brown leading in the Ohio Senate race against Jon Husted.

    Sherrod Brown Leads in Ohio Senate Race · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Oct 5
    news
    Trump announced to campaign with Husted in Ohio amid tight Senate race

    The Hill reported Trump planned to campaign with Husted in Ohio, reflecting Republican concern about the closeness of the Senate race with Brown.

    Trump to campaign with Husted in Ohio - The Hill · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  13. Oct 3
    news
    Trump rallies in Ohio to boost Jon Husted against Sherrod Brown in tight Senate race

    President Trump held a campaign rally in Ohio in support of Republican Sen. Jon Husted, underscoring the competitive nature of the race against Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown.

    Trump rallies in Ohio to boost Jon Husted in a tight Senate race against Sherrod Brown · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  14. Oct 1
    poll
    Suffolk/USA Today poll shows Brown at ~47%, Husted at ~44% among likely Ohio voters

    A Suffolk/USA Today poll of likely voters found Brown leading Husted approximately 47% to 44%. A separate Marist poll found Brown ahead 51%–43% among registered voters.

    Two Ohio polls show Sherrod Brown leading Jon Husted in U.S. ... · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  15. Oct 1
    controversy
    PolitiFact rates false the claim that Brown supports 'forcing' childhood sex changes

    PolitiFact checked a Senate Leadership Fund claim that Ohio Senate candidate Sherrod Brown supports forcing childhood sex change surgery, rating it false.

    In Ohio Senate race, does Brown back ‘forcing’ sex changes? · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  16. Sep 30
    controversy
    Crypto-aligned Digital Freedom Fund PAC spends nearly $3 million targeting Brown in Ohio

    Politico reported that a crypto-focused super PAC, the Digital Freedom Fund, filed disclosures showing nearly $3 million in mail spending—split between support for Husted and opposition to Brown. The spending comes amid Brown's history of criticizing the crypto industry.

    Crypto PAC piles on Sherrod Brown in Ohio Senate race - Politico · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  17. Sep 30
    filing
    Brown campaign highlights FEC quarterly fundraising deadline approaching Oct. 14

    Brown's campaign noted the final FEC quarterly deadline before the election, urging supporters to donate. The campaign had $16.23 million cash on hand as of June 30.

    Final FEC quarterly deadline before we take back Ohio. · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  18. Sep 30
    news
    Brown campaign notes Republicans spending heavily in Ohio, calls it hottest Senate race

    Brown's campaign substack noted that Republicans were spending more in Ohio than in Georgia, characterizing Ohio as the most watched Senate race of the cycle.

    Republicans are spending more here than in Georgia ... · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  19. Sep 25
    news
    Democrats take upper hand on data center issue in Ohio Senate battle, per Newsweek

    Newsweek reported that Democrats, including Brown, were gaining political traction on the data center issue in the Ohio Senate race.

    Democrats take upper hand on data centers in Ohio Senate battle · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  20. Sep 25
    controversy
    Brown's data center attacks create tension with some labor allies

    A building-trades leader who had endorsed Brown said he was not pleased with some of Brown's ads attacking data centers, which labor views as a source of construction jobs. The tension highlights a split between Brown's anti-data-center messaging and some union interests.

    Sherrod Brown's data center attacks frustrate labor allies · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  21. Sep 25
    poll
    Rasmussen poll published on Ohio Senate race between Brown and Husted

    Rasmussen Reports published polling on the 2026 Ohio Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Jon Husted.

    Election 2026: Ohio Senate - Rasmussen Reports® · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  22. Sep 22
    news
    Brown and Husted spar over economy, data centers, and immigration in Ohio Senate race

    Brown stated he would fight to make life more affordable for Ohioans, including by cutting taxes for working families. He criticized tax incentives for data center companies and said those firms should pay full utility costs without subsidies from Ohioans.

    Economy, data centers dominate Ohio Senate race. See where the candidates stand · Sep 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  23. Sep 17
    news
    Husted's Ratepayer Protection Act fails to clear Senate filibuster with 57 votes

    Husted's Ratepayer Protection Act received 57 votes in the Senate, falling short of the 60 needed to overcome a filibuster. Husted's campaign has used this to argue Democrats blocked ratepayer protections, as part of the data center policy dispute with Brown.

    Ohio: The Costly Senate Race Over Data Centers and Rural Land · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  24. Sep 17
    news
    AP profiles Sherrod Brown seeking second chance in Ohio Senate race

    AP reported on Brown, a Democrat and former senator, challenging Republican Sen. Jon Husted in Ohio's special election for the seat vacated when JD Vance became vice president.

    Democrat Sherrod Brown seeks 2nd chance in Ohio Senate race · Sep 17, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • GIFFORDS (Giffords Law Center) organization
    Candidate page lists Brown as endorsed for the 2026 Ohio Senate race; no specific endorsement date provided. giffords.org
  • Population Connection Action Fund organization
    Listed Brown among its 2026 endorsements; no specific endorsement date provided. populationconnectionaction.org
  • Ohio Federation of Teachers union
    Executive Council voted to endorse Brown; specific vote date not established in sources. oft-aft.org
  • MoveOn organization
    Endorsement page dated September 21, 2026. front.moveon.org · Sep 21, 2026
  • Alliance for Retired Americans organization
    Campaign announced the endorsement on August 14, 2026, stating it was received 'this week.' sherrodbrown.com · Aug 14, 2026
  • Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters union
    Endorsed Brown on August 13, 2026, per campaign announcement. sherrodbrown.com · Aug 13, 2026
  • Ohio Conference of Teamsters union
    Announced endorsement on July 10, 2026. sherrodbrown.com · Jul 10, 2026
  • Ohio Democratic Party official
    Executive Committee endorsed Brown; reported by The Statehouse News Bureau on March 11, 2026; board action date per regional AFL-CIO report. statenews.org · Feb 13, 2026
  • Ohio AFL-CIO union
    Executive board issued 2026-cycle endorsements on February 13, 2026, per regional AFL-CIO council report. ohioaflcio.org · Feb 13, 2026
  • United Auto Workers (UAW) Ohio Community Action Program Council union
    Endorsed Brown on November 3, 2025, as reported by the Medina Gazette. medina-gazette.com · Nov 3, 2025
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union
    Endorsed Brown on August 18, 2025, per IBEW announcement. ibew.org · Aug 18, 2025

Past elections

General election results for federal office, from the Federal Election Commission.

YearSeatResultVotesShare
2018U.S. Senate OH · DWon2,358,50853.4%

Covers the 2016 to 2022 general elections. The FEC has not yet published 2024 congressional results.

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$38.57M
Spent
$22.34M
Cash on hand
$16.23M

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record S6OH00163(opens in a new tab)

Sources 43

  1. [1] smarter.vote › races › oh-senate-2026-specialSherrod Brown (D) – Ohio Senate special 2026 | Smarter.Vote(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  2. [2] Update on our race with three weeks to go(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  3. [3] JD Vance attacks Amy Acton, Sherrod Brown as GOP hold on Ohio could slip(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  4. [4] Ohio US Senate race: Tight race forces GOP to surge in ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  5. [5] Ohio: The Costly Senate Race Over Data Centers and Rural Land(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  6. [6] A message from Patrick Eisenhauer, Sherrod Brown's ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  7. [7] CNN Poll: Brown Leads Husted by 6 Points in Ohio(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  8. [8] The Risk Facing Sherrod Brown's Youth Vote Strategy(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  9. [9] 2026 Ohio Senate Polling - The Hill and DDHQ(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  10. [10] A salute to the two Ohio candidates brave enough to debate! Today in Ohio(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  11. [11] Sherrod Brown's Polling Lead Defies Ohio's Republican Shift(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  12. [12] Your voter guide to Ohio's November 2026 election - 91.7 WVXU(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  13. [13] 2026 Endorsements — Ohio AFL-CIO(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  14. [14] Sherrod Brown explains his proposals to lower costs for Ohioans(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  15. [15] Sherrod Brown Leads in Ohio Senate Race(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
  16. [16] Trump to campaign with Husted in Ohio - The Hill(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  17. [17] Trump rallies in Ohio to boost Jon Husted in a tight Senate race against Sherrod Brown(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  18. [18] In Ohio Senate race, does Brown back ‘forcing’ sex changes?(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  19. [19] Two Ohio polls show Sherrod Brown leading Jon Husted in U.S. ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  20. [20] 2026 Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  21. [21] Crypto PAC piles on Sherrod Brown in Ohio Senate race - Politico(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  22. [22] Final FEC quarterly deadline before we take back Ohio.(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  23. [23] Republicans are spending more here than in Georgia ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
  24. [24] Ohio US Senate race 2026: Where Jon Husted, Sherrod Brown stand on key issues(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
  25. [25] Sherrod Brown on Foreign Policy - OnTheIssues.org(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
  26. [26] Democrats take upper hand on data centers in Ohio Senate battle(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
  27. [27] Election 2026: Ohio Senate - Rasmussen Reports®(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
  28. [28] Sherrod Brown's data center attacks frustrate labor allies(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
  29. [29] Economy, data centers dominate Ohio Senate race. See where the candidates stand(opens in a new tab) Sep 22, 2026
  30. [30] Sherrod Brown : MoveOn: People-Powered Progress(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  31. [31] Democrat Sherrod Brown seeks 2nd chance in Ohio Senate race(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2026
  32. [32] Our Fight - Sherrod Brown(opens in a new tab) Aug 26, 2026
  33. [33] Roll Call Vote 117 th Congress - 2 nd Session - Senate.gov(opens in a new tab) Aug 23, 2026
  34. [34] Alliance For Retired Americans Endorses Sherrod Brown For ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 14, 2026
  35. [35] Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters Endorses ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 13, 2026
  36. [36] Ohio Conference of Teamsters Endorses Sherrod Brown for U.S. ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 10, 2026
  37. [37] node(opens in a new tab) May 26, 2026
  38. [38] Is Sherrod Brown Trying to Change His Tune on Immigration?(opens in a new tab) Apr 30, 2026
  39. [39] Ohio Democratic Party endorses more candidates ahead of primary(opens in a new tab) Mar 11, 2026
  40. [40] Brown: We Need Solutions that Lower Housing Costs and Expand Options for Families | United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs(opens in a new tab) Jan 19, 2026
  41. [41] UAW endorses Democrat Sherrod Brown in 2026 U.S. Senate ...(opens in a new tab) Nov 3, 2025
  42. [42] Sherrod Brown - Giffords Law Center(opens in a new tab) Sep 3, 2025
  43. [43] IBEW Endorses Sherrod Brown for 2026 Senate(opens in a new tab) Aug 18, 2025
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