Sherrod Brown

Sherrod Campbell Brown is an American politician who represented Ohio in the United States Senate from 2007 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 13th congressional district from 1993 to 2007 and as Ohio Secretary of State from 1983 to 1991. Brown began his career in 1975 as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives and became known within the Democratic Party as a prominent left-leaning populist. He remains the most recent Democrat to have held a statewide partisan office in Ohio.

Born in Mansfield, Ohio, Brown is the son of Emily and Dr. Charles Gailey Brown. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian studies from Yale University in 1974, followed by a Master of Arts in education and a Master of Public Administration from Ohio State University. An Eagle Scout, he received his badge from astronaut John Glenn in 1967. Before entering Congress, Brown taught at Ohio State University’s Mansfield campus while completing his graduate studies.

Brown was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, defeating Republican incumbent Mike DeWine, and won reelection in both 2012 and 2018. During his tenure, he chaired the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and also served on the Finance, Veterans’ Affairs, and Ethics Committees. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his focus on workers’ rights, economic fairness, and expanding civic participation.

In 2024, Brown ran for a fourth Senate term but was defeated by Republican businessman Bernie Moreno. The following year, on August 18, 2025, he announced his candidacy for Ohio’s other Senate seat in the 2026 election, positioning himself to challenge incumbent Senator Jon Husted.