Former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown’s entry would give Democrats their top potential recruit, since Brown has been elected statewide five times in Ohio.

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

The very slim Democratic field affords Brown the opportunity to face off against Republican Senator Jon Husted, Ohio's former lieutenant governor and secretary of state, who was appointed by Republican Governor Mike DeWine to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat opened by JD Vance becoming vice president.