OHIO — Former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown won the Democratic nomination in Ohio's special U.S. Senate election, defeating software consultant Ron Kincaid, a political newcomer, and William B. Redpath. Brown will face Republican Jon Husted, who was unopposed in his primary, in the general election on November 3, 2026.

Husted, 58, was appointed to the Senate by Governor Mike DeWine to fill the seat vacated by JD Vance after he became Vice President. Husted has previously served as Ohio's lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. Donald Trump endorsed Husted, helping him avoid a primary challenger.

Brown, 73, lost his 2024 U.S. Senate re-election bid to Bernie Moreno by four percentage points. Moreno was endorsed by Trump, who was also at the top of the ballot in 2024. After his 2018 re-election victory, Brown contemplated a 2020 presidential run and continued to promote his "dignity of work" message after deciding against a White House bid. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recruited Brown to run in the 2026 special election and considers Ohio a top pickup opportunity for Democrats in their effort to regain control of the U.S. Senate.

The race is expected to be among the most expensive Senate contests in the country. Brown's campaign reported $17 million in cash on hand as of mid-April 2026, after raising $10.1 million in the first quarter of 2026. Husted's campaign had $8.1 million in cash on hand and raised $2.9 million during the same period. The Senate Leadership Fund announced a $79 million advertising reservation in Ohio, and the Democratic Senate Majority PAC announced a $40 million advertising investment in the state. Outside spending is likely to increase in the race, similar to the 2024 cycle.

Brown and Husted each debuted their first television campaign ads in early May 2026. Husted's ad included a personal message. "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," Husted said.

Brown's first ad focuses on campaign donations Husted's campaigns received from associates of Jeffrey Epstein, and asks, "Jon Husted — who's he really working for?" In 2026, Husted contributed $34,300 to an Ohio charity that works with human trafficking victims, including donations received from Leslie Wexner and his wife.

Ohio's congressional delegation consists of ten Republicans and five Democrats. Since 2016, Ohio has backed the Republican presidential candidate all three times Trump was on the ballot, by increasingly wide margins.