Ohio Senate Race Cost $422 Million as Sherrod Brown Defeats Jon Husted

Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown has won his seat back in the Ohio Senate, defeating incumbent Republican Jon Husted. The Associated Press called the race after a close and costly battle that drew national attention. Brown’s victory marks his return to Capitol Hill after losing his previous term in 2024 to Bernie Moreno.

The election was exceptionally expensive. By mid-October, candidates and outside groups had spent more than $422 million on the contest. This figure places the Ohio race among the most expensive U.S. Senate elections in the country. The candidates together raised more than $80 million, with Brown far out-raising his opponent.

Husted is running for the U.S. Senate for the first time. He was appointed to the seat by Gov. Mike DeWine in January 2023 after JD Vance won the vice presidency. Before this appointment, Husted served as speaker of the Ohio House, secretary of state, and lieutenant governor. His prior experience in elected office in Ohio gave him a long record in public service, though this was his initial bid for the federal position.

The campaign focused heavily on data centers, affordability, the war in Iran, and health care costs. Brown made data centers a central issue, labeling Husted "the face of data centers" in Ohio due to his involvement with related deals as lieutenant governor. A leaked memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee described data centers as "the anchor hanging around Husted's neck." The memo suggested that Husted’s loss would impact future races nationwide, though NPR has not independently confirmed the document's authenticity.

Ohio has been a Republican stronghold for years, with President Trump winning the state in the last three presidential cycles. However, polls showed this race remained close throughout the year due to Brown’s high name recognition. The contest attracted additional attention amid signs of a national shift favoring Democrats. According to AdImpact, Ohio was the only state with a close U.S. Senate race where Democrats aired more broadcast TV ads than Republicans.

The campaign style shifted as the election approached. Both candidates began with smaller events and avoided large launches. In the final month, they joined major rallies. Brown participated in an event led by former President Barack Obama on Oct. 24. Husted met with Trump during three of the president's visits to Ohio in October. During these appearances, Trump offered praise on Husted's physique, a comment he also made to other male office-seekers.

Brown will serve the remainder of the term that Vance was elected to fill in 2022. Because of this arrangement, Brown is assured of only two more years in the U.S. Senate. He will need to run for reelection in 2028 to retain the seat. His return makes him the seventh former U.S. senator since 1946 to lose a seat and later win it back.