Sherrod Campbell Brown was born on November 9, 1952, in Mansfield, Ohio.
Growing up in a working-class Ohio community and raised on a family farm that had been part of the region for generations, Brown developed early ties to the struggles of working families and rural communities.
He earned a B.A. in Russian Studies from Yale University in 1974. He later attended Ohio State University, where he completed graduate studies, earning degrees in public administration and education.
Brown’s public-service career began early: at age 22, shortly after college, he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives (1975–1982). He went on to serve as Ohio Secretary of State (1983–1990). After a stint out of statewide office, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1992, representing Ohio’s 13th District from 1993 to 2007.
In 2006, Brown successfully ran for the U.S. Senate and served from 2007 to 2025.
Though he lost re-election in 2024, Brown formally announced in August 2025 that he is running in the 2026 special election to return to the Senate.
Through decades of public service, Brown has positioned himself as a stalwart advocate for workers, manufacturing, fair trade, and economic justice — rooted in his own background in Ohio’s heartland.
Issue Stances & Policy Priorities
Brown emphasizes a populist-progressive agenda focused on economic fairness, workers’ rights, and protecting the middle class. Key priorities include:
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Workers’ Rights, Pensions, and Economic Security
Brown has been a longtime champion of organized labor, American manufacturing, and secure pensions.
He helped draft and support legislation such as the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act — ensuring multi-employer pension solvency and protecting retirement incomes for thousands of workers.
He has also emphasized the “dignity of work,” arguing public policy should treat work as more than a paycheck — but a fair path to security and respect.
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Fair Trade, American Manufacturing & Economic Nationalism
Throughout his career, Brown has consistently opposed trade agreements and international trade policies he views as harmful to American workers and manufacturing.
He advocates for “buy America” policies, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and protecting U.S. supply chains.
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Healthcare & Social Safety Net
Brown supported the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health-care reform efforts for expanding access to affordable care.
He has also supported stronger protections for consumers and families burdened by medical costs and advocated for a robust social safety net.
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Banking, Consumer Protection & Financial Reform
As a longtime member of — and at times chair of — the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Brown has championed legislation aimed at regulating Wall Street, protecting consumers, and safeguarding retirement and pension funds from financial industry abuses.
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Support for Veterans, Rural Communities & Farms
Brown has worked on behalf of veterans and prioritized rural and agricultural interests. Through his committee assignments on agriculture, nutrition, and forestry — as well as veterans’ affairs — he has sought to defend rural livelihoods, family farms, and ensure resources for working-class and veteran families.
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Protecting Democracy, Fair Elections & Voting Rights
Given his early career as Secretary of State and long service representing Ohio statewide, Brown has long been invested in fair electoral access, public accountability, and transparent democratic institutions.
Major Accomplishments
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Decades of Public Service & Diverse Experience — From state legislature to statewide office to the U.S. House and Senate, Brown brings over 40 years of experience representing Ohio at every level.
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Championing Worker Pensions & Retirement Security — Helped secure the Butch Lewis legislation, safeguarding multi-employer pensions and protecting the retirement security of hundreds of thousands of American workers.
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Standing Up for American Manufacturing & Fair Trade — Led efforts against trade deals perceived as harmful to U.S. workers; promoted “Buy America” policies that favor domestic production and support Ohio’s industrial economy.
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Advancing Consumer Protection and Financial Reform — As a leader on the Senate Banking Committee, worked to hold Wall Street accountable, protect consumers, and defend the rights of working families affected by financial fraud and unfair practices.
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Supporting Veterans, Rural & Agricultural Communities — Used his committee roles to push for resources and legislation benefiting veterans, family farms, and rural Ohio — communities that often struggle to be heard in Washington.
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Consistent Progressive Voice for Workers & Middle Class — Across different offices and institutional changes, maintained a steady commitment to working-class values, economic justice, and the belief that government should protect ordinary people — not just elites.
Sherrod Brown is more than a former senator — he’s a fighter for working families, a defender of American manufacturing, and a proven legislator who uses his deep experience to deliver for ordinary Americans. In a time when many feel left behind by globalization, economic instability, and political neglect, Brown’s message of “dignity of work,” economic fairness, and protecting retirement and pensions offers hope and stability. His record shows he’s someone who doesn’t just talk about values — he acts on them.
As he seeks to return to the Senate in 2026, Brown offers Ohio voters a clear, tested contrast: someone rooted in the state’s working-class heartland, committed to fighting for everyday people, and capable of shaping legislation for long-term economic security.
We're counting on grassroots supporters like you to power Sherrod Brown to victory.
Standing up for workers. Treating everyone with dignity and respect. Working as hard as possible for the people of Ohio.
I've tried to live my life by those principles. But these days that's not what's happening in Washington—so I'm running for Senate.
- Sherrod Brown