UAW endorses Democrat Sherrod Brown in 2026 U.S. Senate special election

United Auto Workers on Monday officially endorsed Sherrod Brown, a Democrat and former senator, for U.S. Senate in 2026. UAW represents nearly 100,000 active and retired members who live and vote in Ohio. The UAW Ohio Community Action Program, or CAP, Council formally voted to endorse Brown, and will mobilize hundreds of thousands of working-class Ohioans to elect Brown to the U.S. Senate next year, the union said in a news release. "Sherrod is more than an ally of the UAW; he is an honorary union brother," UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green said. "Ohioans don't need another representative who leaves us wondering whose side they'll be on when it matters. We know exactly where Sherrod Brown stands, because he has been in the fight with the UAW and the working-class time and time again. I am proud of our members for committing to elect working-class fighters like Sherrod." "Today, the top 1 percent have more wealth than the bottom 95 percent of humanity combined — that is a crisis. Sherrod Brown is one of the only politicians who understands this crisis and won't cower to billionaires when faced with a tough fight," UAW President Shawn Fain said in the news release. "The UAW is proud to endorse candidates like Sherrod who will stand with the working class against our common enemy: Corporate greed." "Throughout my career, I'm proud to have stood with UAW members fighting for the dignity of work and ensuring that workers always have a seat at the table," Brown said in the news release. "Connie and I drive Jeeps assembled in Toledo by UAW workers, and earlier this year, I was proud to stand in solidarity with UAW members in Evendale as they fought for a fair contract. I'm honored to once again have the UAW's support as we continue the fight for Ohio workers and push back against corporate greed and special interests." The special election is Nov. 3, 2026. Incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Upper Arlington, is the Republican front-runner. Democrat Fred Ode of Columbia Township and Democrats Lynnea Lau and Chris Volpe also have declared in the race.