Sherrod Brown Announces 2026 Senate Bid After Crypto-Fueled 2024 Loss
Sherrod Brown, the former Ohio senator who lost his seat in 2024 amid a flood of crypto-backed spending, isn’t done with politics just yet. Over the weekend, he announced plans to run for the Senate again in 2026—this time targeting Republican Jon Husted’s seat.
Brown’s 2024 defeat came after a brutal, expensive race. His opponent, Bernie Moreno, benefited from more than $40 million in media buys from Defend American Jobs, a political action committee tied to the crypto industry. Brown still pulled in over 46% of the vote, but it wasn’t enough.
“I never planned to run for office again,” Brown wrote in a post on X. “But I see what’s happening in Washington, and I can’t stand on the sidelines.” He didn’t name names, but the implication was clear—he thinks the government’s priorities are skewed toward the wealthy.
The Crypto Factor
During his time in the Senate, Brown was one of the louder voices pushing for stricter crypto regulations, especially after the FTX collapse in 2022. That stance might’ve cost him. Defend American Jobs, backed by Coinbase and Ripple Labs, poured money into the race, making it one of Ohio’s most expensive ever.
But crypto wasn’t the only factor. The 2024 election cycle saw massive spending on both sides, with reports suggesting nearly half a billion dollars was spent overall. Fairshake, the umbrella group behind Defend American Jobs, dropped over $130 million nationwide to support what it called “pro-crypto” candidates.
A Fairshake spokesperson didn’t hold back when asked about Brown’s return: “Voters made it clear last year that Sherrod Brown’s agenda was out of touch with Ohio.”
What’s Changed Since 2024?
Since Brown left office, Congress has moved forward on crypto legislation—just not the kind he’d likely support. The GENIUS Act, which regulates stablecoins, passed with bipartisan support and was signed by President Trump in July. Other bills on crypto market structure are waiting in the Senate’s queue.
Brown’s final Senate speech in December warned against corporate influence, singling out crypto and AI as areas needing scrutiny. Now, his campaign is framing his comeback as a fight for workers, healthcare affordability, and a check on the current administration.
“Cryptocurrency is part of the economy now,” Brown admitted in a recent statement. “But my focus is making sure it helps Ohioans—not puts them at risk.”
An Uphill Battle?
Early polling isn’t exactly on Brown’s side. A February survey gave Husted a six-point lead in a hypothetical matchup. Husted, appointed to fill J.D. Vance’s seat after Vance became vice president, will hold office until a special election in November 2026.
Still, Brown’s decision to run suggests he thinks Ohio voters might be open to a change. Whether that’s true—and whether crypto money will again play a decisive role—remains to be seen.
