New: The NRSC is already going after former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) — even though he hasn’t officially entered the Ohio Senate race.
In a new memo obtained by Punchbowl News, the Senate GOP campaign arm says Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) is in a strong spot to win in 2026.
“As Ohio reddens and conservative momentum grows, Sherrod Brown’s waning legacy will be that of a two-time loser — and Husted is well positioned to defeat him again,” the NRSC memo reads.
Brown consistently outperformed national Democrats in his Senate races, but he lost in November to now-Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio). National Democratic figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer see Brown as their best bet to flip the Senate seat.
The NRSC is touting that Husted — appointed by GOP Gov. Mike DeWine to fill JD Vance’s vacancy in January — is consolidating Republican support and has consistently won statewide elections in Ohio.
President Donald Trump has also endorsed Husted, ending any chatter of a primary challenge from the right.
In a cycle where Democrats need to flip four seats to claim the majority, the party will be eyeing stretch opportunities like Ohio.
