State’s Police Union Endorses Republican After Having Once Supported Democratic Opponent

Ohio’s largest law enforcement union endorsed Republican Sen. Jon Husted for reelection Tuesday, after previously endorsing his opponent, former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.

The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio (“Ohio FOP”) along with four other labor organizations have switched their support to Husted this cycle, according to a press release from the Republican’s campaign sent to the Daily Caller News Foundation.

While the Ohio FOP endorsed Brown for reelection in 2012, the former lawmaker repeatedly opposed stronger border security measures and alienated Ohio’s law enforcement community, according to the press release.

Ohio FOP President Jay McDonald noted that the endorsement is for candidates who have supported law enforcement and fought back on the “war on police.”

“We’re not asking for anything revolutionary – we want candidates with a proven commitment to supporting law enforcement and standing with us on issues that help our members keep their communities safe,” McDonald said in the press release.

A spokesperson for Brown did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment. Spokespersons for Husted and the Ohio FOP did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.

“I’m honored to earn the FOP’s endorsement. They know what’s at stake because they’ve lived the consequences of Sherrod Brown’s record: during his 32 years in Washington, Brown voted eight times to fund sanctuary cities and supported amnesty for 11 million illegal immigrants. I’ll always stand with our police, secure the border and fight for the safety of Ohio families,” Husted said in the press release.

“Ohio’s law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve leaders who have their backs,” the senator added.

Brown previously faced controversy with the Ohio FOP after a tweet he made claiming that Columbus police shot and killed black sixteen-year-old girl Ma’Khia Bryant in 2021. However the post did not mention that body camera footage showed that the girl apparently lunged at two women with a knife and ignored calls to “get down” prompting an officer to fatally shoot her.

“Sherrod Brown spent 32 years in Washington defending defund the police lunatics and giving criminal illegals taxpayer- funded benefits. Brown puts Ohioans last, and he will be rejected again,” Nick Puglia, National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Regional Press Secretary said in a statement to the DCNF.

“Law and order should be at the top of everyone’s mind these elections. It’s what drives society. It’s what makes people feel safe. It’s something that affects everyone,” Eric Delbert, a sergeant for 32 years in a central Ohio suburb, previously told the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Despite having endorsed Democrats such as Brown in the past, FOP endorsed Republican now-Vice President JD Vance in his successful run for Ohio’s open Senate seat in 2022. The group did not endorse a candidate in the 2024 election during which Brown lost reelection to Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno.

Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Husted to replace Vance in January 2025.

Husted has also received endorsements from the National Border Patrol Council and 75 Ohio sheriffs according to the press release.