COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a heartfelt farewell address delivered on Tuesday, Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown reinforced his commitment to advocating for American workers, even after experiencing a significant electoral loss in Ohio last month. The senator acknowledged the growing challenges for his party in securing statewide victories in the state.
“This marks my final speech on the Senate floor this year, but I assure you it won’t be the last time you hear from me,” stated the 72-year-old Brown, his trademark gravelly voice resonating as he expressed gratitude towards staff and family present in the chamber, occasionally struggling to hold back tears.
With a noteworthy political stature in Ohio, there is already speculation among political analysts regarding Brown’s future aspirations, particularly regarding the Senate seat to be vacated by Republican JD Vance, the vice president-elect, or the state governorship, both of which will be contested in 2026.
Brown indicated he would return to Ohio in January as “a private citizen,” emphasizing that those who cherish the country should advocate for the working populace that drives its daily functions. He took aim at the Washington establishment, criticizing its subservience to Wall Street’s interests over those of workers, which has led to detrimental effects for communities like his own, Mansfield, Ohio. He attributed his belief, shaped by his parents’ diverse political views, to the idea that it is the government’s duty to support the underprivileged as the powerful are capable of self-sustainability.
Despite a robust campaign, Brown fell short in his reelection efforts against Republican challenger Bernie Moreno, a newcomer from Cleveland, by roughly 3.5 percentage points. The election garnered nearly $300 million in expenditures from various campaigns and external organizations, highlighting it as a primary battleground for Republicans seeking to regain control of the Senate. The shift in Ohio’s political landscape is stark, having leaned increasingly to the right, favoring Donald Trump across three elections.
In a veiled critique of Trump — without mentioning him by name — Brown, a staunch pro-union advocate with a reputation for being among the Senate’s most liberal members, questioned the populist rhetoric associated with the president-elect. He articulated his vision of true populism, stating, “True populism lifts all people. True populism doesn’t tear others down. It doesn’t play into racial tensions and divisiveness. True populism centers on the dignity of work and prioritizing workers in our endeavors.”
Brown highlighted several significant achievements from his 18-year tenure in the Senate, asserting that they would yield long-term benefits for working families. He mentioned his involvement in expanding healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, opposing unfavorable trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, safeguarding the pensions of over a million Delphi Corp. workers, and implementing a $35 cap on insulin costs for Medicare recipients.
“These victories are hard-fought, indeed they are — yet, they are crucial for millions of families,” Brown remarked. “By standing up against corporate special interests, securing a place at the decision-making table for workers, and viewing our choices through the lens of their experiences, we elevate the quality of our work collectively and individually.”
