State Sen. Matt Dolan (R-OH) announced his campaign for U.S. Senate on Tuesday after a voicemail leaked Monday that indicated he would be challenging Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) for his seat in 2024.
Dolan, who ran for and lost the GOP Senate primary last year, called out Brown for his “blind loyalty” to the Democratic Party in his statement.
“A lot can change in thirty years, but in that time Sherrod Brown’s commitment to his party has remained the same,” Dolan said. “Together with Joe Biden, Sherrod Brown has kicked America’s problems down the road for a generation. Their time is up.”
The state senator’s campaign announcement came after a voicemail he sent to an Ohio GOP official was leaked to NBC News.
OHIO SEN. SHERROD BROWN SET TO RECEIVE FIRST GOP CHALLENGER: REPORT
It’s official— Ohio State Sen. Matt Dolan announces he’s challenging Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown in 2024 #OHSEN pic.twitter.com/OWDRs1GyPW
— Julia Manchester (@JuliaManch) January 17, 2023
Dolan detailed in his announcement that Ohioans want security, “not a federal government that opens our borders, contributes to inflation, and demonizes our police.”
He added that Ohio residents need a problem-solver who is successful against big challenges and does not play the “political blame game.”
“I have a proven conservative record of success that has yielded results for Ohio families, workers, and businesses,” Dolan said.
Dolan lost to Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), who was backed by former President Donald Trump, in the 2022 midterm elections. The state senator was often critical of Trump, and Trump said he would not support Dolan for senator.
Ohio is one of eight battleground states Republican Party leaders are focusing on to flip seats, as well as Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Brown has not announced he is running for reelection but told NBC News he planned to. He faces a tough reelection battle as the state continues to trend toward Republicans. Vance’s win in 2022 helped the GOP gain momentum to take both Senate seats in 2024.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“With the courage of my convictions, clarity of purpose, and a resolute focus on the challenges and opportunities facing our beloved state, I am ready to lead,” Dolan said in his statement.
