Ohio Senate Race Heats Up Over Inflation Concerns

Cleveland businessman and Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno speaks at a rally, March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio. Republicans are watching two hot-button federal races in Ohio on Tuesda

Ohio Republican Bernie Moreno has launched a new ad targeting incumbent Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown for his vote on the Inflation Reduction Act. The ad is part of a $25 million campaign leading up to Election Day.

The 30-second spot features a single mother from Versailles, Ohio, expressing concern over the high prices of groceries. She criticizes Brown for supporting the Inflation Act, attributing the current inflation to his vote. The ad emphasizes Moreno's commitment to lowering prices and combating inflation to support Ohio families.

Ad features single mother criticizing Brown for supporting Inflation Act.

Bernie Moreno launches $25 million ad campaign against Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Moreno emphasizes commitment to lowering prices and combating inflation.

The ad, funded by Bernie Moreno for Senate and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, highlights Brown's vote for the Inflation Act and its impact on Ohioans.

Moreno stated that Ohioans are facing record-high inflation due to Brown's support for the legislation. The campaign plans to spend an additional $25 million on advertising, with the election just 33 days away and early voting starting on Oct. 8.

The Senate race in Ohio is projected to be the most expensive this cycle, with a total spending of $310.4 million as of August. Moreno and Brown have already invested significant amounts in their campaigns.

Brown's campaign recently announced raising nearly $31 million in the third quarter, indicating strong financial support. The race between Moreno and Brown is considered a toss-up by sources.

Ohio holds significance in the presidential race this cycle, with Sen. JD Vance as former President Trump's running mate. Moreno, who ran against Vance in the GOP primary, has endorsed the Trump-Vance ticket.

In August 2023, Brown praised the Inflation Reduction Act for benefiting Ohioans by reducing costs and creating job opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2.6% rise in the Consumer Price Index for the Midwest, including Ohio, over the past year.

Food prices increased by 1.8%, while energy prices declined by 2.6%, primarily due to lower gasoline prices. The ongoing debate over inflation and economic policies continues to shape the narrative of the Ohio Senate race.