Sherrod Brown challenges Husted in 2026 Ohio Senate rematch after narrow 2024 loss

Sherrod Brown, the former U.S. Senator and former chair of the Senate Banking Committee, has announced his intention to run for the Ohio Senate seat in 2026, challenging Republican Jon Husted [2]. Brown’s decision comes after a narrow loss in the 2024 election, where he fell to Republican candidate Bernie Moreno by fewer than four percentage points [1]. The race was one of the most expensive in Ohio’s history, with over $480 million in combined spending, largely driven by a crypto-backed political action committee (PAC) that spent more than $40 million supporting Moreno [1].

In a statement posted on X, Brown said he was motivated to run by a sense of duty to challenge what he described as a government favoring the wealthy and powerful at the expense of everyday workers [1]. “I never planned to run for office again,” he wrote. “But I see what’s happening in Washington, and I can’t stand on the sidelines.”

The crypto industry’s role in the 2024 election was significant, with Fairshake and its affiliated PACs spending over $131 million across the 2024 congressional elections to support pro-crypto candidates and oppose anti-crypto ones [1]. According to a Fairshake spokesperson, the group views Brown and fellow progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren as out of touch with “Ohio values” and will continue its efforts to influence the 2026 midterms [1].

Brown, a long-time advocate for comprehensive crypto regulation, had previously criticized the lack of oversight in the digital asset space, particularly in the wake of the FTX collapse in 2022 [1]. In a recent interview, he reiterated his stance, stating that cryptocurrency is becoming a more integral part of the economy and should be regulated to protect consumers and workers [1].

The 2026 race may see a renewed battle between Brown and crypto-backed political forces, as Fairshake reported holding $141 million in assets to influence upcoming elections. The PAC has already spent over $2 million to support candidates in 2025 special elections [1].

Senate Democrats are under pressure to reclaim control of the chamber and see Brown as a key figure in their strategy [2]. His fundraising network, which raised over $100 million in 2024, gives him a financial edge in the 2026 cycle [2]. However, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has already begun efforts to undermine his campaign, branding him as a “liberal sellout” and aligning him with Joe Biden [2].

Analysts suggest that Democrats still face a difficult path to regaining the Senate, even with candidates like Brown, as most of the 35 seats up for grabs in 2026 will remain in Republican hands [2]. The outcome will likely depend on strategic messaging, voter turnout, and the effectiveness of both parties’ fundraising and mobilization efforts.

A recent poll from Bowling Green State University gave Husted a six-point lead in a hypothetical race against Brown, though the former senator had not yet announced his bid at the time of the survey [1]. With Husted eligible to run in the 2026 general election, the matchup promises to be one of the most high-profile Senate contests of the year.

Source: [1] Sherrod Brown, targeted by crypto PAC in 2024, to run for U.S. Senate again https://cointelegraph.com/news/sherrod-brown-ohio-senate-crypto-pac-2026-run

[2] Former Sen. Sherrod Brown launches Ohio Senate campaign https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/18/sherrod-brown-ohio-senate-campaign-launch-2026-00513314