What Happened?

Stand Up for Ohio, an independent-expenditure filer, reported about $1.2 million in spending to support Democratic candidates and oppose Republicans across six Ohio congressional races, including the U.S. Senate contest between Democrat Sherrod Brown and Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH). ​

The group disclosed its expenditures through FEC Form 5, which organizations other than political committees use to report independent expenditures.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

Stand Up for Ohio's spending reflects a voter-mobilization strategy focused on canvassing, voter guides, and leaflets rather than television advertising. Its stated priorities include increasing political participation among Black, young, and working-class voters, particularly in Ohio's urban communities.

The Senate race matters because Brown is trying to return to Congress after losing his seat in 2024, while Husted is seeking election to the seat he was appointed to fill. The group's House spending also targets Republican incumbents in competitive districts.

Both Sides, Now

Stand Up for Ohio spent approximately $653,000 in the Senate race, including $335,000 supporting Brown and $318,000 opposing Husted.

Its House expenditures included:

  • 7th District: $206,000 supporting Democrat Brian Poindexter and opposing Rep. Max Miller (R-OH).
  • 15th District: $129,000 supporting Democrat Don Leonard and opposing Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH).
  • 1st District: $88,000 involving Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) and Republican Greg Conroy.
  • 10th District: $86,000 involving Democrat Kristina Knickerbocker and Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH).
  • 13th District: $35,000 supporting Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-OH).

Field Forward Ohio was listed as the payee for major expenditures. The group's organizational structure raises donor-transparency questions because Form 5 identifies expenditures without necessarily identifying an organization's underlying funders.

What Happens Next?

Stand Up for Ohio's spending is considerably smaller than major super PACs'. The supplied figures attribute approximately $69.7 million in Ohio Senate expenditures to SLF PAC and $46.7 million to Defend American Jobs, while House Majority PAC reportedly spent $3.4 million in the 7th District. Additional expenditures may appear in FEC disclosures before Election Day. Federal rules require reporting qualifying late independent expenditures within 24 or 48 hours.

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