Brown Wins Ohio Democratic Primary, Setting Up Showdown with Husted
NBC News projects that former Senator Sherrod Brown has won the Democratic primary in Ohio's special Senate election.
The General Election Matchup
Brown will face Republican incumbent Jon Husted in the general election. Husted was unopposed in his primary.
Brown defeated software consultant Ron Kincaid, a political newcomer, to secure the nomination.
Background: The Road to November
Husted was appointed to the Senate by Governor Mike DeWine after JD Vance became vice president. Brown lost his 2024 re-election bid to Republican Bernie Moreno by 4 percentage points.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recruited Brown to run again, viewing Ohio as a potential pickup opportunity. Both candidates have already released their first television advertisements.
Campaign Finance: A Significant Cash Edge
- As of mid-April, Brown's campaign reported $17 million cash on hand, compared to Husted's $8.1 million.
- Outside spending is expected to support Husted.
The Candidates' Opening Statements
In his ad, Husted said: "I started my life in a foster home. I tell young people, where you start in life doesn’t limit your future. Work hard, believe in yourself and never lose hope."
A narrator in Brown's ad asks: "Jon Husted — who’s he really working for?" The ad focuses on donations Husted received from associates of Jeffrey Epstein.