2026 Ohio U.S. Senate special election
Ohio’s 2026 special U.S. Senate election will decide the remainder of the term that opened when J.D. Vance resigned to become vice president. The race is notable because Republicans are defending a seat in a state that has become more competitive but has leaned Republican in recent federal elections. Former Sen. Sherrod Brown is seeking a return to the Senate, while appointed Sen. Jon Husted is the GOP nominee, making the contest a key test of each party’s strength in Ohio.
Candidates
Jon Husted
Jon Husted is a Republican U.S. senator from Ohio who began serving in January 2025 after being appointed to fill a vacancy. Before joining the Senate, he served as Ohio’s lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and a state legislator, and he also worked in economic development in the Dayton area.
Sherrod Brown is a former Democratic U.S. senator from Ohio who served from 2007 to 2025. He is running in Ohio’s 2026 special U.S. Senate election after advancing from the Democratic primary.
Gregory Levy is an independent candidate in Ohio’s 2026 special U.S. Senate election. His campaign describes him as a socialist organizer from Akron and a veteran focused on working-class issues, labor rights, and public ownership of major industries.
Bill Redpath is the Libertarian Party candidate in Ohio’s 2026 U.S. Senate special election. He is a Perrysburg resident, a longtime Libertarian activist, and a former chair of the Libertarian National Committee.
Polling
Data Analysis Information
Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 5/8/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.