It was widely believed that Brown would be running for governor of Ohio, but was lobbied by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to instead take on Husted as Democrats will battle to take back control of the Senate in next year's midterm elections.

Democrat Sherrod Brown, the gravelly-voiced Democrat known for his rumpled suits and working-class values, is seeking a return to the Senate after losing his reelection bid last year.

Former Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio announced Monday he is launching a comeback bid, giving Democrats a boost in their longshot campaign to win back control of the Senate.