Husted Gains Momentum with Labor Endorsements in Ohio Senate Race

UPDATE: Republican Ohio Senator Jon Husted is making headlines with a significant boost to his reelection campaign, as key labor groups shift their support from his Democratic opponent, Sherrod Brown. This development, confirmed on October 14, 2023, signals a potential shift in voter dynamics just seven months before the critical primary on May 2026.

Husted, who has received endorsements from multiple labor unions traditionally aligned with Brown, claims this reflects a growing dissatisfaction with the former senator. “Sherrod Brown lost the last election to [Republican Ohio Sen.] Bernie Moreno by over 200,000 votes, and part of his coalition is already peeling off,” Husted stated in an interview with the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF).

Among those backing Husted is the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66, which highlighted Husted’s proactive approach, stating he “leads with action, not just photo ops or political talking points.” Additionally, the IUOE Local 18 and the Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council have also endorsed Husted, further emphasizing the shift in labor sentiment.

This rapid realignment of support raises alarms for Brown, who may need to spend resources fending off a primary challenge from entrepreneur Fred Ode, who has self-funded his campaign with $5 million. As Husted consolidates his position, he is also buoyed by an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump, which has helped streamline the primary landscape in his favor.

The impact of Husted’s endorsements is evident as he continues to advocate for a united Republican front. He and GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy have exchanged endorsements, allowing both candidates to focus on mobilizing Republican voters ahead of the elections when Trump will not be on the ballot.

Husted attributes his growing support among organized labor to longstanding relationships built over his two decades in public service. He has held various positions, including lieutenant governor and secretary of state, before his appointment to the Senate. “When business and labor work together… we can create more jobs,” he remarked to the DCNF, underlining his commitment to economic collaboration.

The National Border Patrol Council also threw its support behind Husted, representing around 18,000 Customs and Border Protection agents. The union criticized Brown for his alignment with the Biden Administration, claiming he has “watched as the nation opened to a flood of illegal immigrants.” Husted predicted that Brown would align with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to support government shutdowns if he were still in the Senate.

As the race intensifies, Brown has managed to secure early endorsements from several local unions, but Husted’s growing support indicates a potential vulnerability for the Democratic candidate. Current polling shows Husted leading Brown by 2.5 percentage points, with the Cook Political Report classifying the race as “Lean Republican.”

With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on Ohio as Husted continues to capitalize on this momentum. The implications of these shifts in labor support could reshape the political landscape in a state crucial for both parties in the upcoming elections. As Husted focuses on rallying working-class voters, he asserts, “The working people of Ohio are aligned with Republicans more than they are with Democrats.”

Expect more developments as the May primary approaches, with labor dynamics playing a critical role in this high-profile Senate race.