The matchup for Ohio’s high-profile U.S. Senate race will soon be set.
Former Sen. Sherrod Brown is running against fellow Democrat Ron Kincaid in the May 5 U.S. Senate primary. The winner − widely expected to be Brown − will face Sen. Jon Husted in November as Husted seeks to defend the seat previously held by Vice President JD Vance.
Libertarian William Redpath will also be on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Unlike Ohio’s past two U.S. Senate races, a Brown-Husted matchup would pit experienced elected officials against each other. Brown spent decades in politics, from Columbus to Washington, before Sen. Bernie Moreno ousted him in 2024. Husted previously served as lieutenant governor, secretary of state and Ohio House speaker.
The Husted and Brown campaigns dropped their first television ads days before the primary. The Brown spot highlights donations to Husted from Les Wexner, a former close associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Husted said in February that he would give the money to charity.
“Over the next six months, Ohioans will hear a lot from Sherrod Brown about his so-called solutions,” said Drew Thompson, Husted’s campaign manager. “The truth is, after 32 years in Washington, he created the very problems he now blames others for. His record is indefensible. That’s why he can’t talk about it.”
Ohio Senate race attracts money, national attention
Ohio’s Senate race is already attracting national attention. The GOP Senate Leadership Fund announced $79 million in ad spending to help Husted, the largest investment by the organization so far. The conservative Sentinel Action Fund endorsed Husted and plans to spend more than $8 million.
Democrats face an uphill battle to gain control of the Senate, but winning redder states like Ohio would increase their odds. And they think Brown is their best shot, despite his 2024 loss. The party also hopes to capitalize on President Donald Trump’s low approval ratings and frustration over the cost of living.
The Democratic Senate Majority PAC announced May 5 that it will invest $40 million to boost Brown and oppose Husted.
“Every time Jon Husted had a choice between Ohio families and Donald Trump, he chose Trump,” said Lauren French, a spokesperson for the PAC. “The result: Prices are up, health care is on the chopping block and corporations are cashing in. That’s the Husted record.”
A recent poll from Bowling Green State University found the race between Brown and Husted is a statistical tie. The Cook Political Report labeled it a tossup.
Polls close in Ohio at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Check back here for updates as the election results roll in.
State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@usatodayco.com or @haleybemiller on X.
Tell us what you think of Ohio’s US Senate race
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Sherrod Brown faces primary in high-profile Ohio Senate race
Reporting by Haley BeMiller, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
