Abortion becomes divisive topic for Sherrod Brown in Ohio Senate race, say Democrats.
Inroads in Republican Strongholds: Abortion Politics and Sherrod Brown’s Opportunity
In his 16 years representing Ohio in the Senate, Sherrod Brown has seen abortion as a key issue that energizes Democrats in urban centers like Cleveland. However, the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court has opened up a new opportunity for Brown, who is now running for his fourth term, to make inroads in traditionally Republican strongholds.
Many political observers questioned whether abortion still held salience one year after the high court returned the issue to the states. Ohio voters emphatically answered that question last week by defeating a ballot measure that would have made it more difficult to protect abortion access in the state constitution. The issue drove high turnout in deep-blue counties like Cuyahoga and Franklin, but it was the rejection of the measure by red counties that suggested Brown could use abortion as a wedge issue.
Brown has performed well in many of these strongholds, appealing to blue-collar workers with his populist message. In 2018, he even won over counties like Trumbull and Mahoning that had voted for former President Donald Trump in 2016. However, maintaining these margins will be crucial in what may be Brown’s toughest reelection bid yet. Democrats believe that running on abortion access could be a winning strategy for him.
Appealing Beyond the Base
Democratic strategist Jeff Rusnak believes that the issue of abortion appeals to a much broader audience than just the party’s base. He points out that a solid majority of Ohio voters, including a significant portion of Republicans and independents, support abortion access. This support could give Brown an advantage in his reelection campaign.
Last week’s election in Ohio was not directly about abortion, but the Ohio GOP strategically placed the measure on the ballot ahead of a fall election on abortion rights. Democrats ran ad campaigns across the state, targeting not only their base but also independents and soft Republicans. They argued that the GOP measure was an undemocratic “power grab.” While some Republican voters were swayed by the abortion rhetoric, others were put off by what they saw as an unfair process.
Despite this, polling indicates that Republican voters are divided on women’s access to abortion, with 45% believing it should be legal. The upcoming November election will provide a clearer test of the degree of support for abortion rights.
Brown’s Unabashed Support for Abortion Rights
Sherrod Brown is an unabashed supporter of abortion rights and has the endorsement of groups like Planned Parenthood. He celebrated the Democratic win in the recent special election, calling it a “big victory for Ohio.” Brown plans to continue campaigning for abortion rights in the fall.
This approach aligns with Brown’s overall strategy for his reelection bid. He recognizes that motivating the base is crucial for both parties, and the specter of a national abortion ban is a powerful tool for Democratic fundraising. Brown wasted no time in sending out fundraising emails and making appearances on left-leaning MSNBC after the measure failed.
However, Brown also understands the importance of connecting with Republicans in 2024. In media appearances, he consistently emphasizes his efforts in fighting for workers and the dignity of work. He speaks about veterans’ healthcare and holding Wall Street executives accountable, in addition to discussing abortion. This strategy has served him well in a state that has trended red over the years.
Republican Opposition and the Path to Senate Majority
Republicans in Ohio reject the idea that abortion will boost Brown’s reelection prospects. They point to GOP Senator J.D. Vance’s victory last year as evidence. While abortion featured prominently in the debates between Vance and Democrat Tim Ryan, it did not have the same impact as in swing districts during the midterm elections.
With control of the Senate at stake, GOP strategists believe that other issues, such as the economy, will take precedence over abortion in the minds of voters. Mark Weaver, a Republican strategist in Ohio, argues that very few general election voters prioritize abortion as their top concern. The electorate is divided between pro-life and pro-choice voters, with the pro-abortion segment being relatively small.
Nevertheless, national Republicans see Ohio as a crucial state in their path to a Senate majority. They plan to invest heavily in unseating Brown, who won his 2018 race by 6 points. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has identified three candidates who they believe could win the general election.
The race between Sherrod Brown and his Republican challengers is considered a “tossup” by the Cook Political Report. As the campaign unfolds, it remains to be seen how the issue of abortion will impact the outcome.
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