Sherrod Brown Strengthens Position in Tight Ohio Senate Race with Polling and Fundraising Surge

Ohio’s pivotal U.S. Senate race is heating up as incumbent Senator Sherrod Brown (D) gains momentum in both polling and fundraising, positioning himself as a strong contender in the highly competitive Ohio election. Facing off against Republican challenger Bernie Moreno, Brown has emerged with a narrow but significant lead in recent polls, while also securing record-breaking financial support.

A New York Times/Siena College poll found Brown leading Moreno by 4 percentage points, with 47% of likely Ohio voters supporting the Democratic senator compared to Moreno’s 43%. This marks a crucial shift for Brown, who had been trailing in two previous Ohio-based polls. The race remains tight, with the poll’s margin of error placing the candidates nearly neck and neck, reflecting the intense competition in Ohio’s political landscape.

In addition to favorable polling, Brown’s campaign announced a staggering $30.6 million raised in the third quarter of 2024, a record sum for any Ohio Senate candidate. This substantial increase from the $13 million raised in the second quarter underscores Brown’s growing support in the Ohio Senate race, where every dollar will count as both candidates race to the finish line. Brown’s campaign manager, Rachel Petri, noted the senator’s consistent advocacy for Ohioans, including his defense of abortion rights and efforts to protect pensions, as key factors driving his strong fundraising performance.

“Sherrod’s historic fundraising and sustained support show that Ohio voters recognize his commitment to fighting for their rights,” Petri said. “As we approach Election Day, we’re building on this momentum to ensure he can continue serving Ohio.”

The Ohio Senate race is one of the most closely watched contests in the country, as control of the U.S. Senate hangs in the balance. Democrats currently hold a slim majority, but Republicans are likely to gain a seat in West Virginia, making Ohio’s Senate seat critical. Brown is one of two Democratic incumbents running in states that have leaned Republican in recent presidential elections, alongside Montana’s Jon Tester.

Moreno, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has struggled to match Brown’s fundraising prowess in Ohio. While Moreno has yet to release his third-quarter fundraising numbers, Brown’s financial edge, coupled with his steady polling lead, gives him a clear advantage. However, the Ohio race remains fluid, with both candidates working hard to win over undecided Ohio voters in the final weeks.

The campaign has also been marked by a contentious debate over abortion rights, a top issue for many voters in Ohio. Moreno recently drew criticism for comments he made downplaying the importance of abortion to suburban women voters, sparking backlash from Brown and other Ohio Democrats. Brown quickly seized on the opportunity, reminding voters that a majority of Ohioans—57%—supported protecting abortion rights in last year’s state vote.

With just over a month until Election Day, Ohio remains a key battleground in the fight for control of the Senate. While Ohio has trended Republican in recent elections, Brown’s resilience in polling and his record-setting fundraising efforts suggest that his appeal to Ohio voters could secure him another term in the Senate. The outcome of this highly competitive race will be instrumental in shaping the future of Ohio and the U.S. Senate.