In the heated race for Ohio's Senate seat, Republican candidate Matt Dolan has launched a forceful attack against incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown, focusing on border security, the opioid crisis, and rising crime rates. Dolan's campaign has committed a seven-figure sum to broadcast the advertisement across Ohio via television and digital platforms.
The advertisement criticizes Brown's alignment with President Biden's policies, alleging they have weakened border security, fueled a surge in violent crime, and facilitated the influx of fentanyl into Ohio communities. It features Dolan at the southern border, emphasizing his experience as a prosecutor and state lawmaker, where he fought against drug dealers and violent criminals. He contrasts his record with Brown's, claiming Brown is unwilling to tackle these critical issues.
Dolan, accompanied by Ohio law enforcement officials during an April visit to the Tucson Sector of the Arizona border, one of the busiest sectors for apprehensions and drug seizures, pledges to prioritize border infrastructure, deploy civilian and military personnel, and combat human trafficking and fentanyl smuggling if elected. This is Dolan's second attempt at securing the Senate seat. His previous campaign in 2022 saw a late surge in popularity, ultimately finishing a close second in the Republican primary.
This election cycle, Dolan faces competition from fellow Republican Bernie Moreno, who has garnered an endorsement from current Ohio Senator JD Vance. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is also contemplating entering the race. Brown, the sole Democrat to win statewide office in Ohio in the past decade, faces a tough re-election battle in a state that has increasingly leaned Republican. With Democrats holding a slim 51-49 majority in the Senate, Republicans see Ohio as a key state to flip in their quest to regain control of the chamber in 2024.
