Fred Ode, an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Columbia Station in Lorain County, says he’s jumping in the Senate race to help save the country.

Former Sen. Sherrod Brown has decided to run for Senate next year in Ohio, according to three sources familiar with his plans, potentially putting the Republican-leaning state in play for Democrats.

The very slim Democratic field affords Brown the opportunity to face off against Republican Senator Jon Husted, Ohio's former lieutenant governor and secretary of state, who was appointed by Republican Governor Mike DeWine to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat opened by JD Vance becoming vice president.