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Sherrod Brown kicks Jon Husted’s ‘great ass’ in Ohio Senate race
Sherrod Brown has defeated Republican Jon Husted in Ohio’s Senate race, returning to the Senate after losing his seat in 2024. The result gives Democrats another seat in the chamber and is a setback for Republicans in a state closely associated with Vice-President JD Vance.
With 85% of votes counted, Brown led Husted 48.4% to 46.7%, according to the Associated Press. Brown campaigned as a middle-class champion and criticised Husted’s ties to wealthy donors; Barack Obama also campaigned for him. Donald Trump and Vance backed Husted, but outside groups spent $270 million on the contest, and total spending including party spending reached $477 million.
In short
- Sherrod Brown won Ohio’s Senate race.
- Brown led Jon Husted 48.4% to 46.7% with 85% counted.
- The contest drew $477 million in total spending.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Brown’s return to the Senate can be seen as voters choosing a candidate who foregrounded wages and the interests of middle-class workers, while questioning the influence of wealthy donors. His victory also gives Democrats another seat and shows that Ohio voters may still respond to local economic concerns even amid strong national-party campaigning.
The case against
Husted’s candidacy offered voters continuity with Republican leadership in a state where the party has substantial support, and his backers could argue that his experience and policy approach better serve Ohio. The scale of outside spending and prominent endorsements on both sides also made the race a test of competing national coalitions, rather than a clear verdict on any single issue.
Explained simply
The US Senate is one of two chambers of Congress, where elected lawmakers help pass federal laws and approve government appointments. Each state elects two senators, so Ohio’s seat is part of the balance of power between the Democratic and Republican parties.
Sherrod Brown is a Democrat who represented Ohio in the Senate before losing his seat in 2024. Jon Husted is a Republican Ohio politician who had the backing of President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance; Barack Obama campaigned for Brown.
Ohio has often been closely contested in national politics, and Vance previously represented the state in the Senate. The race drew unusually large spending from candidates, parties and outside groups, reflecting the importance both parties placed on winning the seat.
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