CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 01: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Sherrod Brown speaks during a campaign rally at UAW 1250 on November 01, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Brown was joined by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, whose race against Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy is considered a toss-up. The former U.S. Sen. Brown and incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) are also in a tight race. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Michael M. Santiago / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Democratic US Senate candidate Sherrod Brown speaks at a campaign rally in Cleveland, Ohio, on Monday [Michael M. Santiago/ Getty Images via AFP]
Published On 4 Nov 2026

Democrat Sherrod Brown has mounted a successful return to the United States Senate, handing a stinging defeat to Republicans who had hoped to hold onto the seat.

Brown, who was ousted from the US Senate two years ago, overcame a costly challenge by incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted.

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More than $450m was spent on the race, with US tech companies contributing tens of millions to defeat Brown. The race, according to most estimates, is the most expensive race in this midterm cycle.

Husted, a strong ally of US President Donald Trump, was appointed to his US Senate seat to replace its previous holder, US Vice President JD Vance, in early 2025. He has supported a host of Trump’s second-term policies, including tax cuts, the Iran war and tariffs.

The Ohio race was seen as central in deciding which party controls the Senate and was one of the most expensive in history. Both of the state’s seats are currently held by Republicans – one of whom helped secure the Senate for Republicans by beating Brown in 2024.

The cost of living was a major issue in the Midwestern US, which is home to struggling former industrial cities and rural communities.

Brown has championed his strong ties to labour unions and working-class communities in his bid to regain the seat. He will complete the remainder of Vance’s term, which ends in 2028.