Rep. Shontel Brown defeats progressive Nina Turner in Ohio Democratic primary

Democrat Representative Shontel Brown beat out progressive Nina Turner to win Ohio’s 11th Congressional District in this week’s primary election.

Brown previously beat Turner in a special election last year, after Marcia Fudge was appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development by President Joe Biden and her seat was left open. This year, the two faced off again, with Brown highlighting her alliance with President Joe Biden, while Turner is known for her work on Senator Bernie Sanders’ campaign and touting more progressive views.

“This is another hard-fought victory,” Brown said in a victory speech on Tuesday night. “I’m going to continue to show up for you.” 

Her opponent, Nina Turner, who served as co-chair for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, was endorsed in 2021 by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, but failed to clinch their support this time around, as the Caucus switched its endorsement to Brown. Turner’s fundraising power was also more lacking in the latest race, whereas she far out-raised Brown in 2021.

Brown also had the support of top Democrats, such as Majority Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), who traveled to Ohio earlier this month to campaign for her. “She possesses a demeanor that is magnetic,” Clyburn said of Brown last week. “She draws people to her, and she’s been doing that since she’s been in Congress.”

In a statement congratulating Brown on her primary victory, President Biden said, “Shontel Brown’s primary victory last night was an important step forward toward building a better Ohio and a better America. I was proud to endorse Shontel in her primary bid for re-election because she has been a strong leader in Congress and a partner in the work to cut costs and create jobs. She is focused on solutions that will matter most to Middle Class and working families.”