Sherrod Brown, the former U.S. Senator from Ohio, has confirmed he will run for Senate again in 2026, targeting Republican Jon Husted’s seat after his 2024 defeat. Brown’s announcement follows a tough loss to Bernie Moreno in 2024, where a crypto-backed political action committee (PAC) spent over $40 million supporting Moreno.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Brown emphasized his discontent with Washington and his commitment to challenging a government that he believes caters to the rich at the expense of ordinary workers. “I’m fighting to change that,” he wrote, signaling his intent to represent Ohio’s working class.
Sherrod Brown announces 2026 Senate Bid
The 2024 Ohio Senate race was one of the most expensive in the state’s history, fueled by substantial funding from cryptocurrency companies like Coinbase and Ripple Labs. Fairshake, a PAC heavily financed by these companies, spent more than $40 million to promote Moreno’s campaign. This PAC’s influence has led to the victory of many pro-crypto candidates, further cementing the crypto industry’s increasing role in U.S. politics.
Despite his loss, Brown remains steadfast in his crypto stance. During his tenure, he was a vocal advocate for comprehensive crypto regulations, especially following the collapse of FTX in 2022. His previous efforts led to his chairmanship of the Senate Banking Committee, where he pushed for reforms to protect consumers and address the risks associated with cryptocurrencies.
Brown’s policy focus for 2026 Senate Ru
As Brown sets his sights on 2026, his policy agenda will focus on workers’ rights, healthcare, and government reform. In his early statements, he expressed concern over the growing influence of corporate money in U.S. politics, particularly with the passage of the GENIUS Act under the Trump administration in 2025. He has also emphasized that, despite the rise of cryptocurrency, his goal remains ensuring that it benefits Ohioans while protecting them from potential risks.
In the wake of Brown’s absence in the Senate, Republicans have advanced crypto-related legislation, including the GENIUS Act, which focuses on stablecoin regulation and digital asset market structure.
The upcoming 2026 election will be a critical battleground as Brown faces off against Husted, who was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine and has strong backing from pro-crypto groups. It remains to be seen whether Ohio voters will return Brown to office or continue their support for the Republican establishment.