Former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is preparing to challenge U.S. Senator Jon Husted for one of Ohio's Senate seats in the upcoming 2026 election, aiming to regain influence after his defeat in the 2024 race.

Despite his recent electoral loss, Democrats view Brown as a strong candidate due to his extensive experience and popularity in the state.

At 72 years old, Brown has not yet made a formal announcement regarding his candidacy, but he is expected to declare soon, possibly by the end of next week.

The Ohio Senate race is particularly significant as it could help determine which party controls the chamber, with Republicans currently holding a slim 53-47 majority.

Democrats need a net gain of four seats in the 2026 midterms to regain control of the Senate, making the Ohio race one of their top targets.

Strategists believe that a campaign focused on Ohio-centric issues could favor Brown, contrasting with the more national focus of his previous campaign against Moreno.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has been actively encouraging Brown to run, recognizing the race's national significance for the Democratic Party.

Brown's name recognition and statewide experience may provide him an advantage against Husted, who has been a staunch supporter of Trump's policies.

In addition to the Senate race, Ohio will also see a competitive gubernatorial election in 2026, with Dr. Amy Acton as the only announced Democratic candidate thus far.

Ohio has shifted towards the Republican Party in recent years, complicating the Democrats' efforts to flip the Senate seat, especially after Trump's significant victory in the state during the last presidential election.

The upcoming Senate race is expected to be highly competitive and costly, reminiscent of last year's expensive contest against Bernie Moreno.

Brown's decision to run follows months of speculation about his political future, providing a strong opportunity for Ohio Democrats in a challenging electoral landscape.