It’s Being Called The Most Expensive Race
The Ohio Senate race has become one of the tightest and most closely watched contests in the country, with recent polling showing a dramatic shift.
According to a new Morning Consult poll, Republican candidate Bernie Moreno has surged ahead of long-time Democratic incumbent Senator Sherrod Brown by a slim margin, leading 47% to 46%. This represents a notable swing from a September poll where Brown had held a two-point lead. With the election just weeks away, this development could have far-reaching consequences for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Sherrod Brown, who has been a fixture in Ohio politics for decades, faces a tough re-election fight in a state that has shifted increasingly toward Republicans in recent years. If Brown loses, it could spell trouble for Democrats’ chances of maintaining their Senate majority. Ohio, a state that has backed Republicans in recent presidential elections, has become a pivotal battleground for both parties as the 2024 election approaches.
📊 OHIO Senate: @MorningConsult
🟥 Bernie Moreno: 47%
🟦 Sherrod Brown: 46%Last poll (9/18) – 🔵 Brown +2
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#107 (1.9/3.0) | 10/6-15 | 1,243 LV pic.twitter.com/FLvuZgKSKE— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) October 17, 2024
Moreno’s rise in the polls is significant, as he’s gained momentum in a state where Republicans see a major opportunity. Backed by heavy outside spending, Moreno’s campaign has benefited from nearly $45 million in supportive ads, while another $33 million has been poured into efforts attacking Brown. This financial backing has played a major role in narrowing the gap between the two candidates, making the race one of the most expensive in the country.
On the other hand, Brown, with a formidable $51 million war chest, has long been seen as a populist with a strong appeal to working-class voters. However, that appeal may be weakening as national trends and local dynamics shift in favor of Republicans.
Political analysts are watching Ohio closely, as it’s a state that often mirrors national political trends. With Trump leading the Republican ticket and a strong conservative presence in the state, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both parties. If Moreno continues to gain ground, Republicans could secure another crucial Senate seat, bringing them closer to flipping control of the chamber. This is particularly important considering that Republicans need only a net gain of two seats—or one, should they win the presidency in 2024—to reclaim the majority in the Senate.
The record-breaking spending in this race highlights just how important Ohio has become. As the ads continue to flood the airwaves, voters are being inundated with messages from both campaigns. Much of the funding, however, is coming from outside sources, with dark money playing a significant role in shaping the narrative.
Groups like the pro-Moreno Defend American Jobs PAC, affiliated with the cryptocurrency industry, and the Senate Leadership Fund, tied to Mitch McConnell, have spent millions. Meanwhile, pro-Democratic PACs like WinSenate are countering with their own ad blitz, but the question remains whether it will be enough to hold off Moreno’s surge.