Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) is no fan of the idea that Sherrod Brown, the former Democratic senator whom he unseated last November, may make another run for Senate.
“The last thing Ohio needs is another [Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)] stooge here. The guy already lost,” Moreno told reporters Friday at the Capitol, where he presided over a brief pro forma session of Congress during August recess.
Brown is reportedly interviewing campaign managers for a potential comeback bid against Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) next year.
Moreno continued: “He obviously needs to just retire. I think the guy would be like ancient if he got reelected. The guy can’t find a job. He should just retire with dignity.”
Brown, a third-term senator who lost to Moreno by roughly 3.5 percentage points, would be 74 when retaking office in January 2027 if elected next fall. The Senate’s average age is around 64.
In March, Brown launched the pro-worker nonprofit organization Dignity of Work Institute, aiming to “create an economy and a society where Americans’ work is valued.” The organization did not respond to a request for comment.
Husted is up for a full term after being appointed to the seat formerly held by Vice President JD Vance.
SHERROD BROWN EYES 2026 SENATE BID, GIVING DEMOCRATS GLIMMER OF HOPE IN OHIO
Despite his prior loss, Brown is viewed as a top potential recruit for Democrats in a race that favors the GOP. There’s also pressure for Brown to run for Ohio governor against former Trump administration official Vivek Ramaswamy.
If Brown were to run for Senate, he’d join the likes of former GOP congressman Mike Rogers, who is making another go for a Michigan Senate seat despite narrowly losing last year to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D).