Donald Trump went out of his way to promote Jon Husted during the Ohio Senate race. His comments about the Republican’s physique even appeared to energize supporters. However, the campaign ended with Husted losing his Senate seat to Democrat Sherrod Brown.
Donald Trump backed Jon Husted loses election in Ohio
Brown’s Senate comeback follows his 2024 election defeat to Republican Bernie Moreno, which ended his three-term run representing Ohio. During his latest campaign, Brown focused on the financial pressures facing working-class Americans, the rising cost of living, and economic concerns. He also accused Republicans of falling short of the commitments Trump made to voters (via The Daily Beast).
Meanwhile, Trump took a personal interest in Husted’s campaign. During an Oct. 12 rally in Youngstown, Ohio, the president drew attention to Husted’s former college football career and athletic physique. Trump told the crowd, “I started examining his body, because I didn’t know he was a great athlete.” He then added, “I looked at his a**.”
Before Trump’s appearance, Husted had reportedly struggled to build momentum, according to Ohio Republican operatives. His visit appeared to change the campaign’s energy, with insiders reporting a short-term polling lift and increased enthusiasm among MAGA supporters.
Husted first joined the Senate in January 2025, taking over after JD Vance left the seat to become vice president. He benefited from backing by both Trump and Vance, who actively endorsed him. Trump had also carried Ohio by a comfortable margin in the 2024 presidential election.
Brown also secured support from a former occupant of the White House. Barack Obama joined him at an Ohio campaign rally on October 24. Obama praised Brown for consistently fighting for working people and standing up to powerful corporations and special interests.
Husted, meanwhile, faced questions about his ties to wealthy tech executives. Shaunna Thomas, executive director of Guardrails Alliance, said voters were growing frustrated with politicians who aligned themselves with influential AI industry interests. “There is nothing less popular right now than selling out your community to the AI oligarchs,” she said.
