The left-leaning populist could help Democrats, who face a difficult 2026 map, as they try to reclaim control of the Senate.

Recruiting Brown is a big step in the Democratic path to the majority, expanding a difficult Senate map, but it's no guarantee of success.

The very slim Democratic field affords Brown the opportunity to face off against Republican Senator Jon Husted, Ohio's former lieutenant governor and secretary of state, who was appointed by Republican Governor Mike DeWine to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat opened by JD Vance becoming vice president.