Ohio’s Democratic senator already said he’s considering a campaign for president in 2020, and now a group of supporters are launching an effort to “Draft Sherrod Brown.”
Dayton mayor Nan Whaley, a fellow Democrat and chair of the new committee, is helping circulate a national petition to convince Brown to run. Whaley says Brown would bring a needed change to the White House, especially on issues of economic growth and “the dignity of work.”
“We need a president who pays attention to people who work every day," Whaley says.
Brown was re-elected to his third term in the U.S. Senate last month by just under 7 points, defeating Rep. Jim Renacci, one of President Trump’s congressional allies. Brown won eight counties in Ohio that had supported Trump in 2016.
The committee is co-chaired by Cleveland attorney Michael Wager, who served as the campaign finance chair for Brown's 2012 re-election.
Brown, who enjoys strong support from labor unions, said his previous campaigns provide a blueprint for progressives to win in Trump territory. While Brown supports Trump’s tough stances on trade, he disagrees sharply with the president on issues of immigration and tax cuts.
Brown is among dozens of Democrats who are considered possible 2020 candidates. Gov. John Kasich has also floated the possibility of another presidential run.
