Brown completes political comeback with win over Husted

Democrat Sherrod Brown capped a political comeback, defeating Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted in a race that is likely to help Democrats take control of Congress’ upper chamber.

As of about 11:25 p.m., Brown had about 48.6% of the votes cast, while Husted had about 46.5%.

Brown served in the U.S. Senate from 2007 until 2025, following his stunning loss to Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno. He previously served in the U.S. House from 1993 to 2007 and served as a state lawmaker and Ohio’s Secretary of State.

Brown seemingly mounted his political comeback after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recruited him to seek a return to Washington. He formally declared his campaign in August 2025.

Before heading to Washington, Husted served as Ohio’s lieutenant governor. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Husted to the seat after JD Vance was elected vice president in November 2024.

The seat will be on the ballot again in 2028. The winner will be elected to a full six-year term.