50 Facts About Sherrod Brown

Early Life and Education

Sherrod Brown's journey began in Mansfield, Ohio, where he was born into a family with diverse ancestry. His early years and education laid the foundation for his future in politics.

1. Sherrod Brown was born on November 9, 1952, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Emily (née Campbell) and Charles Gailey Brown, M.D.
2. Brown has Scottish, Irish, German, and English ancestry.
3. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1970.
4. Brown attended Yale University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian studies in 1974.
5. During his time at Yale, he lived in Davenport College and was active in campus life.
6. Brown campaigned for George McGovern during the 1972 presidential election.
7. After Yale, he attended Ohio State University, earning a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) in 1979.
8. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in education from Ohio State University in 1981.

Early Political Career

Brown's political career began early, with significant roles in Ohio's state government before moving to the national stage.

9. Brown's entry into politics began during his senior year at Yale when he was recruited to run for Ohio's state house.
10. He won the election in 1974, becoming the youngest person elected to the Ohio House of Representatives at that time.
11. Brown served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1975 to 1982.
12. He focused on issues related to education and labor during his tenure.
13. In 1982, Brown ran for Ohio Secretary of State and won.
14. He served as Secretary of State from 1983 to 1991, focusing on voter registration outreach and electoral reforms.
15. Brown was reelected as Secretary of State in 1986.
16. He lost his bid for reelection in 1990 to Republican Bob Taft.

Congressional Career

Brown's move to the U.S. House of Representatives marked a significant step in his political journey, where he served for over a decade.

17. In 1992, Brown relocated to the Cleveland area and ran for a seat representing Ohio’s 13th congressional district.
18. He won the election and served seven terms from 1993 to 2007.
19. Brown earned a reputation as a liberal Democrat with a strong record of voting with the progressive wing of his party.
20. He was a vocal advocate for labor and labor unions.
21. Brown opposed the original North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
22. He continued to lead opposition to various free trade agreements, including the Central American Free Trade Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
23. In 2004, Brown published "Myths of Free Trade," critiquing the effects of free trade policies on American workers and manufacturing.

U.S. Senate Career

Brown's election to the U.S. Senate allowed him to further his advocacy for progressive policies and Ohio's interests.

24. Brown ran for the U.S. Senate in 2006 and defeated Republican incumbent Mike DeWine.
25. He took office in 2007.
26. Brown was reelected to the Senate in 2012, defeating state treasurer Josh Mandel.
27. He was reelected again in 2018, defeating U.S. Representative Jim Renacci.
28. Brown serves as the chairman of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
29. He played an instrumental role in passing the historic Wall Street reform law.
30. Brown is also a member of the Committee on Finance, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and the Select Committee on Ethics.
31. After George Voinovich retired in 2011, Brown became Ohio’s senior U.S. senator.

Key Legislative Efforts

Throughout his career, Brown has championed various legislative efforts aimed at improving the lives of Ohioans and Americans.

32. Brown has long championed voting rights and voter registration efforts.
33. He was a strong supporter of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
34. Brown proposed a plan to lower prescription drug costs.
35. He has worked to tackle the addiction crisis by supporting legislation for high-tech tools to screen for illegal opioids.
36. Brown has fought to protect Ohio’s Medicaid expansion.
37. He is committed to social and economic justice, inspired by his faith.
38. Brown has been a vocal critic of barriers to voting.
39. He helped write the most recent Farm Bill, strengthening the farm safety net and improving conservation programs.
40. Brown secured Central State University’s recognition as an 1890 Land Grant University.
41. He works to expand educational opportunities for veterans, servicemembers, and their families.
42. As co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus, Brown secured important funding for Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

Advocacy and Criticism

Brown's long career has seen both praise for his advocacy and criticism for his lengthy tenure.

43. Brown has held nearly 500 roundtable conversations across Ohio to gather ideas from Ohioans.
44. He has fought tirelessly to protect Ohio jobs and companies.
45. Brown played a crucial role in saving the American auto industry in 2009.
46. He introduced the Leveling the Playfield Act in 2015, improving trade enforcement laws.
47. Brown has been a vocal critic of Republican President Donald Trump’s policies.
48. Critics argue that Brown’s lengthy career has made him more aligned with his party's interests rather than those of Ohioans.
49. Critics also argue that Brown’s policies have negatively impacted Ohio’s economy.
50. Brown’s opponent in the 2024 election was Republican nominee Bernie Moreno, who ran on a platform of securing the southern border and fixing the economy.

Sherrod Brown's Legacy

Sherrod Brown's career is a testament to his dedication to public service and Ohio's people. From his early days as a state representative to his long tenure in the U.S. Senate, Brown has consistently championed labor rights, education, and healthcare. His opposition to free trade agreements like NAFTA and his support for the Affordable Care Act highlight his commitment to protecting American workers and ensuring healthcare access. Despite facing criticism for his lengthy career, Brown's impact on Ohio's economy and his advocacy for social and economic justice remain significant. His efforts in securing funding for veterans, improving the food supply chain, and supporting educational opportunities showcase his broad legislative focus. As he steps away from the Senate, Brown leaves behind a legacy marked by unwavering dedication to the values he holds dear and the people he has served.