Former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is set to launch a comeback bid for Senate seat in 2026, according to CNN and NBC News. Reports began swirling in previous weeks. He was also rumored to have been considering a run for governor, with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine term-limited and ineligible to seek a third term.A fundraising element now appears on Brown’s website, stating “contribute to support Sherrod’s campaign.”WLWT reported earlier this year that Brown was relocating to Columbus, with his wife hinting there is still “work ahead” for the two.Brown lost his re-election in 2024 to Republican Bernie Moreno, a Cleveland businessman and newcomer on the political scene, by about 3.5 percentage points. Brown has been asked in recent months whether he would run in 2026, but has refused to say, while also not ruling it out. Brown served three terms in the Senate, and would likely be the Democrat party’s best shot at flipping the Senate seat.Reports say an official announcement is expected in the coming weeks.Currently, Sen. Jon Husted holds the Senate seat. He was appointed by DeWine in January 2025 to fill the seat vacated by JD Vance, who resigned to become Vice President.The appointment is temporary, as Husted’s term will expire in 2026 when he will need to win a special election that year to retain the seat.WLWT has reached out to those affiliated with Brown’s previous campaigns and have not heard back.

COLUMBUS, Ohio —

Former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is set to launch a comeback bid for Senate seat in 2026, according to CNN and NBC News.

Reports began swirling in previous weeks. He was also rumored to have been considering a run for governor, with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine term-limited and ineligible to seek a third term.

A fundraising element now appears on Brown’s website, stating “contribute to support Sherrod’s campaign.”

WLWT reported earlier this year that Brown was relocating to Columbus, with his wife hinting there is still “work ahead” for the two.

Brown lost his re-election in 2024 to Republican Bernie Moreno, a Cleveland businessman and newcomer on the political scene, by about 3.5 percentage points.

Brown has been asked in recent months whether he would run in 2026, but has refused to say, while also not ruling it out.

Brown served three terms in the Senate, and would likely be the Democrat party’s best shot at flipping the Senate seat.

Reports say an official announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

Currently, Sen. Jon Husted holds the Senate seat. He was appointed by DeWine in January 2025 to fill the seat vacated by JD Vance, who resigned to become Vice President.

The appointment is temporary, as Husted’s term will expire in 2026 when he will need to win a special election that year to retain the seat.

WLWT has reached out to those affiliated with Brown’s previous campaigns and have not heard back.