Conservatives funded efforts to undercut Sherrod Brown with Black voters in Ohio, filing shows

Republican-Backed Group Targets Sherrod Brown Through Ohio’s Independent Senate Candidate

Earthguardiansonline.com – A newly disclosed campaign finance report has revealed that Republican-aligned money is supporting an outside effort aimed at weakening former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio’s closely watched Senate contest. The organization, Enough Promises Ohio, has spent at least $2 million promoting independent candidate Greg Levy while circulating attacks on Brown, including messages directed at Black voters.

Enough Promises Ohio had not previously identified the financial backers behind its advertising campaign. Its filing ahead of the pre-election disclosure deadline showed that, from October 1 through October 14, it received a single contribution: $2.5 million from Conservative Americans PAC, a Republican super PAC.

The disclosure adds a new dimension to a race in which Brown is seeking to defeat Republican Sen. Jon Husted. Ohio is home to one of the nation’s most competitive Senate elections, and outside groups are working to influence how voters view the major-party candidates as well as the independent and third-party alternatives on the ballot.

Ads portray Levy as the progressive alternative

Enough Promises Ohio has used digital advertisements and direct mail to argue that Levy, a little-known socialist candidate, is a stronger progressive choice than Brown. One online ad claims Brown “sold us out” and describes Levy as the “real progressive.”

The group has also sent mailers with messages focused on race and criminal justice. A copy of one piece of mail features Levy, who is Black, alongside the statement:

“END THE WAR ON BLACK AMERICA”

The reverse side includes an image of Brown and the allegation:

“SHERROD BROWN BUILT THE SYSTEM TO LOCK US UP.”

The messaging is designed to challenge Brown’s relationship with Black voters, an important constituency for Democratic candidates. It also underscores how outside political organizations can attempt to shape a race without appearing directly connected to a candidate’s official campaign.

Levy rejects connection to the outside group

Levy has denied any involvement with Enough Promises Ohio. Earlier this month, his campaign said it had no relationship with the organization and criticized the effort as an attempt to mislead voters.

“has no ties”

Federal law prohibits super PACs from coordinating their spending with candidate campaigns. That restriction means organizations such as Enough Promises Ohio may independently pay for ads, mail, and other political communications, but they cannot legally plan those efforts in cooperation with Levy’s campaign or another candidate’s campaign.

Conservative Americans PAC has already drawn attention during this election cycle for intervening in Democratic House primaries. The group publicly acknowledged trying to boost Democratic candidates it believed would be easier for Republicans to defeat in general elections. Its contribution to Enough Promises Ohio places that broader strategic approach in a high-stakes statewide race.

Campaigns distance themselves from the spending

Husted’s campaign said it was not involved in the activities of Enough Promises Ohio. Amy Natoce, a spokesperson for Husted, said the campaign had no role in the group’s work.

“had no involvement”

Brown’s campaign responded by arguing that Ohio voters would not be persuaded by the effort. Lauren Chou, a spokesperson for Brown, said voters would hold Husted responsible for his record, including votes against limiting President Donald Trump’s Iran war powers.

“Ohioans won’t be deceived”

Although the group’s spending does not establish coordination with Husted’s campaign, its activity could still affect the broader contest. Independent candidates can draw attention from voters dissatisfied with the two major parties, and outside advertising may amplify that effect by presenting a lesser-known candidate as an alternative to a better-known contender.

Another outside group focuses on Husted

Enough Promises Ohio is not the only super PAC trying to influence Ohio’s Senate race through support for a non-major-party candidate. Buckeye Freedom PAC has spent more money targeting Husted while promoting Libertarian candidate Bill Redpath.

Unlike Enough Promises Ohio, Buckeye Freedom PAC had not disclosed its donors at the time of the latest filing. The spending by both organizations illustrates how outside groups can pursue competing strategies: one seeks to erode support for Brown by elevating Levy, while another tries to damage Husted and increase visibility for Redpath.

For Ohio voters, the wave of independent spending makes it important to distinguish between candidate campaigns and groups operating outside them. Mailers, online ads, and political messaging may feature candidates prominently, yet they can be financed and produced by organizations with separate political goals.

The new filing identifies the financial source behind Enough Promises Ohio’s campaign for the first time. It also makes clear that a Republican super PAC is funding messaging intended to boost Levy’s profile and challenge Brown’s support among Black voters as Ohio’s Senate race moves toward Election Day.