Recruiting Brown is a big step in the Democratic path to the majority, expanding a difficult Senate map, but it's no guarantee of success.

The left-leaning populist could help Democrats, who face a difficult 2026 map, as they try to reclaim control of the Senate.

Former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown has told Democratic allies that he intends to run for Senate next year, two people familiar with his plans told CNN, and is soon poised to launch a 2026 campaign aimed at vindicating his defeat two years ago after three decades in Congress.