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Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) announced Monday that he's officially running for U.S. Senate in Ohio, becoming the first Democrat to join the race to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman.

Why it matters: Ryan, a former 2020 presidential candidate, will bring strong name recognition and blue-collar roots to a high-profile race in Ohio, a state that has been trending Republican in recent years.

Former President Trump won Ohio by about eight points in 2016 and 2020, but the state is still represented by one Democratic senator — Sherrod Brown.

Four Republicans have joined the race thus far: former state Treasurer Josh Mandel, former Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken, and businessmen Mike Gibbons and Bernie Moreno. Venture capitalist and author J.D. Vance has also told associates he plans to run.

Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan launches Senate campaign

He's the first Democrat to join the race.

Tim Ryan (politician)

Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) announced Monday that he&#x27;s officially running for U.S. Senate in Ohio, becoming the first Democrat to join the race to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman.Why it matters: Ryan, a former 2020 presidential candidate, will bring strong name recognition and blue-collar roots to a high-profile race in Ohio, a state that has been trending Republican in recent years.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan launches Senate campaign

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