In a divisive and long-awaited presidential election, Senate races are often not top-of-mind for voters. However, the serious and widely impactful implications Senate races have on not only the country, but the states should be considered at the polls. In one key race, Republican candidate Bernie Moreno of Ohio is running against incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH). The potential success of either candidate carries high-stakes implications that will affect every Ohioan.
Brown, running for his fourth term in the Senate, knows Ohio well – and the implications of a fourth Brown term are representative of Ohioans’ wants and needs. His political efforts are focused on “fighting for the dignity of work,” which is a promise he has upheld throughout his time in the Senate.
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations represent the largest group of unions in the U.S. It represents more than 12.5 million active and retired workers and awarded Brown a 100% rating in 2023 for his pro-labor and pro-worker policies.
A fourth Brown term would mean that working Ohioans will continue to be represented and fought for at the federal level. Pro-worker policies are at the core of his campaign, and simultaneously, Brown fights to keep fentanyl out of Ohio. Along with feeling the effects of the opioid crisis, Ohioans also want to ensure they have access to reproductive care.
Moreno, a Cleveland businessman, is fighting for restrictions on reproductive care – which directly contradicts the will of Ohioans. In 2023, Ohioans voted on an amendment to the state constitution to protect the right to an abortion and reproductive care. The amendment passed by over 500,000 votes, according to NPR.
Considering the majority of Ohioans value access to abortion, Moreno should have – at least – approached the issue with sensitivity. Instead, he received bipartisan backlash for undermining older women as single-issue voters on abortion. “It’s a little crazy, by the way — especially for women that are past 50. I’m thinking to myself: I don’t think that’s an issue for you,“ he said.
Beyond reproductive care, Moreno’s wealth and desires to reduce regulations for businesses and taxes are typical of the Republican agenda, but will not benefit average Ohioans. This could greatly hinder access to services that Ohioans rely on such as education and infrastructure improvements.
Moreno’s campaign website lists priorities such as ending “wokeness” and “cancel culture” as well as ending socialism in America. Meanwhile, Brown strays away from the political theatrics invading campaigns. Brown’s website focuses on concrete policies he has fought for, his dedication to Ohio and acts of public service.
Beyond the implications this Senate race has on Ohio, it could easily be the race that determines the power balance of the Senate. This would either allow Democrats like Brown to advance a pro-worker agenda or Republicans like Moreno to continue the restriction of reproductive care, among hundreds of other issues that affect Ohioans and the larger country every day.
For the past 17 years, Brown has represented Ohio in the U.S. Senate. As Ohio grows increasingly red, Brown’s policy agenda continues to better represent the will of Ohioans and has far better implications than Moreno’s plans for the state.
Layne Rey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
