Former U.S. senator Sherrod Brown announced he will run for the U.S. Senate in Ohio in 2026, the campaign launch reported by AP and local outlets.
AP reported Brown “launched his 2026 campaign to return to the U.S. Senate,” saying Democratic leaders hailed the move as they prepare for a high-profile race.
Local station FOX19 noted Brown officially launched his campaign on Monday and said he will challenge appointed Sen. Jon Husted in a special election tied to the 2026 midterms.
FOX19’s account adds that Brown served in the Senate from 2007 until he lost his seat in the 2024 election, and that Gov. Mike DeWine later appointed Jon Husted to the seat.
Brown framed the campaign around working-class issues and a return to Washington, according to AP’s coverage of his launch and comments from Democratic leaders.
The special election will decide who completes the term after the appointment; FOX19 explained that the winner will have to run again in 2028 to serve a full six-year term.
Political observers note the matchup will be closely watched nationally because it pairs a well-known Democrat against a Trump-backed Republican appointee, AP said.
Brown’s name appears frequently in recent Ohio polling and coverage; local reporting and national outlets frame the contest as a key 2026 Senate battleground.
Readers who want deeper background can review recent polling and analysis that tracks Brown’s standing in the race.
Sources
- AP News — reported that Sherrod Brown launched his 2026 campaign to return to the U.S. Senate and provided coverage of Democratic reaction.
- FOX19 NOW — covered Brown’s official launch, noted he lost his seat in 2024, and explained Gov. DeWine appointed Jon Husted and a 2026 special election will be held.
