United Steelworkers endorse Sherrod Brown for U.S. Senate

The United Steelworkers on Monday announced its endorsement of Sherrod Brown as he seeks election to return to the U.S. Senate, citing his long record of supporting organized labor and Ohio’s manufacturing workforce.

In a statement, the union said Brown has consistently promoted fair trade, worked to strengthen retirement security and stood with workers during labor disputes.

The union highlighted Brown’s role in securing passage of the federal Butch Lewis Act, which protected the pensions of more than 1 million union members and retirees nationwide, including tens of thousands in Ohio.

“Sherrod Brown has never once wavered in his commitment to working families,” USW International President David McCall said. “From fighting to restore the pensions our retirees earned to demanding trade policies that safeguard American manufacturing jobs, he has consistently delivered.”

McCall also pointed to Brown’s presence during labor actions across the state.

“When our members have been on the picket line — whether at Libbey Glass, Sherwin-Williams or anywhere else — Sherrod has shown up,” McCall said. “He understands what’s at stake for workers, and he fights for us.”

USW District 1 Director Donnie Blatt said Brown’s leadership remains important as Ohio works to strengthen its industrial base.

“Sherrod Brown has always put Ohio workers first,” Blatt said. “He knows that strong trade enforcement, fair labor standards and investments in domestic industry are essential to sustaining good union jobs.”

In a separate statement, Brown said he welcomed the endorsement and framed the race as a contrast with Republican candidate Jon Husted.

“I am proud to have the support of the United Steelworkers as we hold Jon Husted accountable for jacking up the cost of groceries and health care at the expense of working families across Ohio,” Brown said. “I will always have the backs of workers, whether it’s securing the pensions of 100,000 Ohioans or ensuring that Ohio steelworkers are on a level playing field by taking on foreign competitors.”

Brown criticized Husted’s record, saying, “Ohio workers know that Jon Husted puts billionaires ahead of Ohioans.”

The United Steelworkers represents about 850,000 workers nationwide in manufacturing, metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, glass, energy and other industries, as well as members in the public sector, technology and service occupations.