Husted Leads Brown by Six Points in Ohio 2026 Senate Race

Former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown officially launched his 2026 Senate campaign in Ohio, challenging incumbent Republican Jon Husted, who was appointed to the seat earlier this year. Recent Emerson College polls show Husted leading Brown 50% to 44%, with Husted holding significant advantages among male voters, those without college degrees, and voters over 40, while Brown leads among younger voters, women, and independents. Despite trailing in the polls, Brown’s campaign reported raising $3.6 million shortly after his announcement, and the Cook Political Report shifted Ohio's Senate race rating from likely Republican to lean Republican, reflecting Brown's competitiveness. Brown attributes his 2024 loss partly to President Donald Trump's strong performance in Ohio, where Trump maintains a 49% approval rating according to the same poll. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer actively encouraged Brown’s Senate run to help Democrats attempt to regain Senate control, though some Democrats and labor leaders had preferred Brown to run for governor. Ohio is considered a solidly red state, with other Republicans like Vivek Ramaswamy leading hypothetical gubernatorial matchups against Democrats.