URGENT UPDATE: Republican Ohio Senator Jon Husted is making headlines with significant labor endorsements as he gears up for the high-stakes Senate race against Sherrod Brown. Just announced, Husted has secured early backing from several labor groups that previously supported Brown, signaling a potential shift in voter loyalty as the primary approaches in May 2026.
In a recent interview with the Daily Caller News Foundation, Husted declared, “Sherrod Brown lost the last election to [Republican Ohio Senator] Bernie Moreno by over 200,000 votes, and part of his coalition is already peeling off.” This shift is critical as Husted aims to capitalize on Brown’s weakening support.
On October 14, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66 endorsed Husted, emphasizing his proactive leadership style. “He leads with action, not just photo ops or political talking points,” the union stated, highlighting Husted’s track record in securing economic development projects.
Husted’s momentum is further bolstered by endorsements from IUOE Local 18 and the Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, which collectively represent numerous local unions. This backing underscores a significant realignment of labor support, traditionally a stronghold for Democrats.
“They’ve realized that Sherrod Brown did nothing for them all those years,” Moreno remarked, commenting on the shift in labor allegiance.
With an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump, Husted appears positioned for a smooth path to the general election, especially as he unites the Republican ticket alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, the GOP frontrunner for Ohio governor.
While Husted secures labor endorsements, Brown faces challenges of his own. He may need to expend resources in the primary to fend off a challenge from entrepreneur Fred Ode, who has already invested $5 million into his campaign.
Husted asserts that his relationship with labor unions stems from his commitment to collaborative economic growth, stating, “When business and labor work together, we can create more jobs.” He believes this partnership will resonate with Ohio’s working-class voters, many of whom are increasingly aligning with the Republican Party.
On the national stage, Husted also praised Teamsters Union President Sean O’Brien, who has recently shown support for Republican candidates, marking a notable shift in labor dynamics. The Teamsters’ PAC has contributed $4,000 to Husted’s campaign, reflecting growing bipartisan support.
In a significant contrast, Husted criticized Brown for his alignment with Senate Democrats, claiming, “He’s Chuck Schumer’s most reliable vote.” This statement underscores the stakes of the upcoming election, which is crucial for both parties as they vie for control of the Senate in 2026.
The latest RealClearPolitics aggregate shows Husted leading Brown by 2.5 percentage points, while the nonpartisan Cook Political Report designates the race as “Lean Republican.” Ohio remains a pivotal battleground state, making this contest one to watch closely as it unfolds.
As the political landscape shifts, Husted’s campaign is poised to capitalize on labor endorsements and the changing dynamics within Ohio’s electorate. The implications of these developments are profound, potentially reshaping the future of both local and national politics.
Stay tuned for further updates as this race continues to evolve.
