Jon Husted Gains Labor Support, Undermines Sherrod Brown’s Base

UPDATE: Ohio Republican Senator Jon Husted has secured key labor endorsements, signaling a potential shift in support against his Democratic opponent, Sherrod Brown, just seven months before the May 2026 primary. Husted’s new alliances with former supporters of Brown underscore a growing fracture within the Democratic base as the midterm elections approach.

In a bold move, Husted has received early endorsements from several Ohio labor groups, including the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66, which backed Brown in his unsuccessful 2024 reelection campaign. Husted declared, “Sherrod Brown lost the last election by over 200,000 votes, and part of his coalition is already peeling off and supporting us.”

This strategic shift could reshape the electoral landscape, especially as Husted emphasizes his history of collaboration with labor unions. He stated, “When business and labor work together, we can create more jobs to grow the pie.” Husted’s message resonates with union members who feel disillusioned with Brown’s long-standing representation.

Husted’s momentum follows a significant endorsement from former President Donald Trump, which has helped clear the GOP primary field. He is now positioned to lead a united Republican ticket alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, the frontrunner in Ohio’s gubernatorial race. The two candidates are focusing on energizing Republican voters in a pivotal election year where Trump will not be on the ballot.

Meanwhile, Brown is facing challenges of his own, including a potential primary fight against entrepreneur Fred Ode, who has already invested $5 million in his self-funded campaign. Husted argues that the labor endorsements reflect a broader realization among union members that they need a representative who will deliver results, not just rhetoric.

In a pointed comment, Husted criticized Brown’s track record, suggesting, “He’s Chuck Schumer’s most reliable vote,” referencing the Senate Minority Leader’s influence over Brown’s decisions. Husted’s confidence is further bolstered by recent polling, which shows him leading Brown by 2.5 percentage points in the latest RealClearPolitics aggregate.

Furthermore, Husted recently received the endorsement of the National Border Patrol Council, which represents roughly 18,000 Customs and Border Patrol agents. This union praised Husted for his support of Trump’s stringent border security policies, sharply contrasting with Brown’s stance.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Husted’s strategy of appealing to labor unions could redefine voter alignments in Ohio. He remains optimistic about the long-term realignment of working-class voters toward the Republican Party, stating, “The working people of Ohio are aligned with Republicans more than they are with Democrats.”

With the stakes high for both parties in the upcoming elections, all eyes will be on Husted and Brown as they prepare for what promises to be a contentious primary season. As endorsements and alliances shift, the impact of these developments will be crucial in determining the future of Ohio’s representation in the Senate.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds.