UPDATE: Republican Ohio Senator Jon Husted has gained significant momentum in his reelection campaign, securing crucial endorsements from labor groups traditionally aligned with his opponent, Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown. The shift in support highlights a potential fracture in Brown’s base just months ahead of the May 2026 primary.
In a striking turn of events, Husted has landed early endorsements from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66 and several other labor organizations, asserting that Brown is already “bleeding support.” Husted claims this indicates a growing dissatisfaction among union members towards Brown, who lost his last election by over 200,000 votes to Republican Bernie Moreno.
“Sherrod Brown lost the last election to Bernie Moreno by over 200,000 votes, and part of his coalition is already peeling off and supporting us,” Husted said.
These endorsements come as Husted prepares for what is expected to be one of the most high-profile Senate races in the country. The early backing from labor unions is seen as a testament to the relationships Husted has built over his two-decade political career, including his time as lieutenant governor and secretary of state.
Husted emphasizes his collaborative approach with organized labor, stating, “When business and labor work together, along with public officials, we can create more jobs.” His campaign is now also bolstered by an endorsement from Donald Trump, which has helped consolidate the Republican field.
Meanwhile, Brown faces challenges of his own. He has already secured endorsements from local unions and national labor groups aligned with Democrats, but must contend with a potential primary challenge from entrepreneur Fred Ode, who has invested $5 million in his self-funded campaign.
In a broader context, Husted argues that the political landscape is shifting, particularly among working-class voters, who he claims are increasingly aligning with the Republican Party. “The working people of Ohio are aligned with Republicans more than they are with Democrats,” Husted stated, citing issues like border security and women’s sports as pivotal points of contention.
Moreover, Husted’s campaign received a significant boost from the endorsement of the National Border Patrol Council, which lauded his support for Trump’s border security policies and criticized Brown for his stance on immigration. “He’s Chuck Schumer’s most reliable vote,” Husted claimed, hinting at the potential implications of Brown’s political choices.
The stakes are high for both candidates, as Ohio is viewed as a critical battleground in the fight for Senate control in 2026. Husted currently holds a slight edge in polling, leading by 2.5 percentage points according to the RealClearPolitics aggregate, while the Cook Political Report rates the race as “Lean Republican.”
As the election cycle heats up, all eyes will be on Ohio, with both candidates vying for crucial voter support in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
