Ohio voters will head to the polls this November for a special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated when former Senator JD Vance became Vice President. The winner will serve the remainder of Vance’s 2022‑2028 term and then run for a full six‑year term in 2028.
Republican candidate: Jon Husted
Incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to fill the vacancy. Husted brings more than two decades of statewide experience. He began his political career in the Ohio House of Representatives in 2000, serving as Speaker of the House and later representing the Sixth District in the Ohio Senate. He was elected Ohio Secretary of State in 2010 and re‑elected in 2014, and briefly ran for governor in 2018 before joining DeWine’s ticket as lieutenant governor.
In a recent sit‑down interview with WLWT, Husted emphasized his commitment to expanding domestic energy production to lower fuel, electricity and consumer costs. He also highlighted policies that lower operating costs for farmers, strengthen border security, enforce immigration laws and hold repeat criminal offenders accountable.
Democratic challenger: Sherrod Brown
Democrat Sherrod Brown, a veteran of Ohio politics, has served as a state representative, Ohio Secretary of State, U.S. Congressman and U.S. Senator. At 73, he is considered the Democrats’ top contender. Brown’s campaign focuses on ending the war in Iran, eliminating tariffs to reduce prices, restoring the expanded child tax credit, and stricter sentencing for convicted criminals. He also supports deporting immigrants who commit crimes and restricting gun access for individuals with criminal records or serious mental‑health issues.
Third‑party candidates
Libertarian William B. Redpath, a longtime party activist who chaired the Libertarian National Committee from 2006‑2010, is also on the ballot. Redpath’s platform includes ending the war with Iran, repealing tariffs, supporting nearly unrestricted immigration and cutting federal spending.
Independent candidate Greg Levy runs under an “Other‑party” label. His website calls for a “complete reconstruction of society” and advocates universal healthcare, free childcare and education, reduced military spending, a higher minimum wage and an end to the war in Iran.
Election context
The race is expected to be the most expensive Senate contest in Ohio history, with spending already exceeding $500 million. The high cost reflects the national significance of the seat, which will be contested again in the 2028 general election.
Ohio’s electorate will decide which vision for the state and the nation prevails: Husted’s focus on energy independence, border security and law‑and‑order; Brown’s emphasis on social programs and diplomatic engagement; or the limited‑government alternatives offered by Redpath and Levy.
Voters should review each candidate’s positions and consider how the policies align with traditional family values, individual liberty and constitutional principles.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
