Aug 3, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Shontel Brown wins Democratic primary in Ohio's 11th district

Oriana González

Picture of Shontel Brown — Shontel Brown. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Shontel Brown, the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party chair and a county councilwoman, on Tuesday won the Democratic primary in the race for former Rep. Marcia Fudge's seat, after opponent Nina Turner conceded.

Why it matters: Brown could become the third consecutive Black woman to represent the 11th District.

Fudge is now the Housing and Urban Development secretary.

Details: Brown was endorsed by Hillary Clinton and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.).

Our thought bubble, via Axios' Alexi McCammond: Clyburn's got his finger on the pulse of Democratic Party politics in a way that the progressive wing really doesn't want to acknowledge.

He helped Biden get elected and is doing the same before 2022 midterms take place this fall.

Worth noting: The runner-up for the race, Turner, was backed by more progressive figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Cori Bush (D-Mo.).

In some ways, Brown and Turner reflect the 2016-era divisions within the Democratic party.

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Shontel Brown wins Democratic primary in Ohio's 11th district

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