Tim Ryan's interest in Governor's race 'renewed and heightened' as Sherrod Brown announces run for Senate

Former Valley Congressman Tim Ryan is still considering running for Ohio Governor in 2026.

A spokesperson for the former Congressman tells 21 News that Ryan's interest in running for governor has grown following former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown's decision to run for Senate again in 2026.

"Sherrod Brown's decision to run for the U.S. Senate has renewed and heightened Tim Ryan's interest in running for governor to further serve the people of Ohio," the spokesperson said.

21 News first reported that Ryan was considering running for governor in May of 2025. At that time, Ryan's spokesperson told us he was listening to and speaking with Ohioans about possibly running.

Ryan had served as a Democratic Congressman for Ohio's 17th District from 2003 to 2013, and Ohio's 13th District from 2013 until 2023.

Ryan also previously ran for a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2022, but lost to former Republican U.S. Senator and current Vice President J.D. Vance.