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Republicans are highlighting discrepancies between Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown’s recent statements on immigration and his long voting record, just days before Ohio’s primary election.
In a recent interview, Brown stated, “I support closing the border to people so they just can’t cross the border at will, but I also say we, of course, should be deporting people that have committed a crime, surely.” This statement has drawn scrutiny from Republicans who claim it contradicts his decades-long voting history on border security and immigration enforcement.
Brown, who served three terms in the Senate from 2007 to 2025 before losing to Republican Bernie Moreno, is now seeking to return to the Senate by running for the seat currently held by Sen. Jon Husted. Husted was appointed to fill the vacancy created when JD Vance became Vice President in the second Trump administration.
According to voting records reviewed by critics, Brown’s recent comments appear inconsistent with his past positions. Throughout his 32-year congressional career, Brown reportedly voted at least 10 times to protect federal funding for sanctuary cities, dating back to his time in the House in 2001 through his final Senate term in 2024.
His record also shows he co-sponsored the 2019 End Mass Deportation Act, which sought to rescind President Trump’s executive order that prioritized deporting criminal immigrants and withheld funding from sanctuary cities. Additionally, Brown voted against ensuring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had “sufficient resources to detain and deport a higher number of illegal aliens who have been convicted of a crime” and opposed funding to prevent criminal immigrants from securing amnesty.
Critics also point to Brown’s past statements opposing the construction of a southern border wall, which he has called “stupid,” “wrong” and “ludicrous,” claiming it “doesn’t work.”
The Ohio Senate race is expected to be highly competitive and will likely attract significant campaign spending from both parties as they battle for control of the Senate. Immigration remains a top issue for voters in the state.
Husted’s campaign manager, Drew Thompson, emphasized the contrast between the candidates, stating, “This November, Ohioans will have a clear choice between the past and the future. Jon Husted is getting an early start by taking his story directly to voters who are ready for a fresh, common-sense approach in Washington.”
Thompson further criticized Brown’s record on immigration: “After shocking Ohioans in 2024 by claiming he only hears about illegal immigration from the far Right, Sherrod Brown is now desperate to return to Washington and continue the same Biden-era open border policies he supported for 32 years. Jon Husted, on the other hand, is working to clean up Sherrod Brown’s mess by funding border security, supporting border agents, and standing for the rule of law.”
The Cook Political Report currently rates the Ohio Senate contest as one of three toss-up races nationwide, alongside Sen. Susan Collins’ re-election campaign in Maine and the open seat in Michigan being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. Close races that are drawing significant attention and campaign resources are also underway in Alaska, Georgia, North Carolina, and New Hampshire.
National Republican Senatorial Committee regional press secretary Nick Puglia also weighed in, stating, “Sherrod Brown’s lies aren’t going to trick Ohioans. They know Brown has fought for over half a century alongside liberals like Kamala Harris to open our borders and protect dangerous criminal illegals from deportation.”
Brown’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the criticism of his immigration record.
The race in Ohio represents a critical battleground as both parties vie for control of the Senate, with immigration policy likely to remain a central point of contention between the candidates as they appeal to voters in this key swing state.
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8 Comments
This story highlights the need for voters to carefully examine a candidate’s full record, not just their current campaign rhetoric. I’ll be following this race closely.
As an independent voter, I’m looking for candidates who demonstrate integrity and authenticity, even if I don’t agree with all their positions.
Well said. Transparency and accountability should be top priorities for any elected official.
This seems like a politically charged issue. I’ll be curious to see how Brown responds and tries to reconcile his past votes with his current stance.
Indeed. Voters will want to understand his underlying policy views, not just his public messaging.
Interesting to see the discrepancy between Brown’s recent statements and his voting record on border security. Voters will likely want clarity on his true position.
I agree. Consistency is important, especially on high-profile issues like immigration.
The border and immigration are complex topics. It’s important for candidates to have well-reasoned, consistent positions that they can clearly articulate to the electorate.