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SENATE
Ohio: Defeated Sen. Brown Hints at Return
"This is my last speech on the Floor this year. But it is not – I promise you – the last time you will hear from me," were the words of defeated Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) suggesting that he will make a comeback in future elections.
He lost the 2024 election to Sen-Elect Bernie Moreno (R) by a 50-46% count. If he returns, it is likely the 72-year-old long-time Ohio politician will again seek office in 2026. He could choose to run in the open Governor’s race, where he would likely have an easy run in the Democratic primary or attempt to return to the Senate.
When Sen. J.D. Vance resigns his seat to become Vice President in January, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) will then appoint a replacement. The new Senator may well find him or herself on the ballot in 2026, and possibly again in 2028, against Mr. Brown.
Whoever is appointed will run to serve the balance of the current term in 2026, and then for a full six-year term in 2028.
GOVERNOR
Colorado: Rep. Neguse Leads Early Dem Primary Poll
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) is ineligible to seek a third term, so a very competitive 2026 Democratic primary awaits the voters.
Magellan Strategies completed a Centennial State Democratic primary poll earlier this month and found Boulder-area Congressman Joe Neguse opening with a small lead.
According to the ballot test, Rep. Neguse posted 20% support, with Secretary of State Jena Griswold in second position at 16%. Current US Ambassador to Mexico, former US Senator, and ex-Interior Secretary Ken Salazar was next with 11%, while Attorney General Phil Weiser follows at 8% preference.
Therefore, the results of this survey suggest that we will see a highly-competitive wide open race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. The eventual nominee will then be a heavy favorite to win the office in the 2026 general election.
New Mexico: Interior Secretary Haaland Making Gov Move
Another state with a term-limited Governor is New Mexico, where Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) is ineligible to seek a third term. Therefore, speculation is brisk as to who will run to succeed the outgoing Governor. Earlier, we reported that Sen. Martin Heinrich (D), fresh from his re-election victory for a third term, could be interested in running for Governor.
Now, we see US Interior Secretary and ex-Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D) also coming to the forefront. In addition to Sen. Heinrich and Secretary Haaland, Lt. Gov. Howie Morales and Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver are also potential Democratic candidates.
Whoever wins the June 2026 Democratic primary will hold the inside track to winning the general election.
Jim Ellis is a 35-year veteran of politics at the state and national levels. He has served ss executive director for two national political action committees, as well as a consultant to the three national Republican Party organizations in DC, the National Federation of Independent Business, and various national conservative groups.
Born and raised in Sacramento, California, he earned a B. A. in Political Science from the University of California at Davis in 1979. Jim raised his daughter, Jacqueline, alone after his wife died following a tragic car accident. He helped establish the Joan Ellis Victims Assistance Network in Rochester, NH. Jim also is a member of the Northern Virginia Football Officials Association, which officiates high school games throughout the region.
Write us off in NM to the Dems years before any election. We really need that.