Sherrod Brown Wins Ohio Senate Primary, Will Face Jon Husted in November

WASHINGTON — Sen. Jon Husted and former Sen. Sherrod Brown will face off in November after Brown won his primary Tuesday night, CBS News projects.

Husted faced no opposition in his primary.

The victories in Ohio set up one of the most expensive Senate races this cycle. Brown seeks a comeback two years after losing reelection. Democrats view the state as one of a few chances to flip a seat and gain control of the Senate.

Brown lost his 2024 reelection bid to Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno after three terms representing Ohio. He fell short by less than four percentage points in a state President Trump carried by more than 10 points. Democrats hope midterm dynamics, Brown's name recognition and working-class appeal will swing the race their way.

Husted, who served as Ohio lieutenant governor and secretary of state after 10 years in the state legislature, is defending the seat for the first time. He was appointed last year to fill the seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance.

Ohio's 2024 Senate race was the cycle's most expensive. This year's contest already promises high costs. Republicans are pouring money into it. The Senate Leadership Fund booked $79 million in ads last month, its largest reservation so far. The Democratic Senate Majority PAC announced $40 million in ad reservations Tuesday.

Brown led Husted in first-quarter fundraising, per Federal Election Commission filings: $10.1 million to $2.9 million. Before the primary, Brown had $17 million cash on hand; Husted had $8.1 million.

Democrats face a tough fight in Ohio and to flip the Senate. Republicans defend more seats in the midterms, but many are in states Trump won by wide margins last cycle.

With open seats to protect and few pickup chances, Democrats need four net gains for a majority. Their odds have brightened lately as the war with Iran and affordability problems hinder Republican plans.