'Conservative' former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft to vote for Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown

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Former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft described himself as "a conservative" while declaring his plan to vote for incumbent Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in the Buckeye State's 2024 U.S. Senate race.

Taft, who served as governor from early 1999 through early 2007, is the great-grandson of President William Howard Taft, who, years after his presidency, served as chief justice of the United States, making history as the only person ever to serve in both of those prestigious positions.

"I have always run for office under the banner of the Republican Party, am a conservative and usually vote a straight Republican ticket. Although still a Republican, I will be making an exception this year in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race by supporting Sherrod Brown," Taft wrote in a piece posted by the Dayton Daily News.

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Gov. Bob Taft addresses the opening session of the Republican National Convention in New York, on Aug. 30, 2004. (Chris Kleponis/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"In doing so, I will be joining most voters who make judgments about candidates based not just on party affiliation but, often more importantly, on the candidate and his or her character, experience and expertise," he continued.

Taft noted that he does not agree with Brown on all policy issues, but believes "Ohioans very much need a highly effective, experienced advocate in the U.S. Senate – someone who is squarely focused on both Ohio's and America's needs. This is the kind of leader Sherrod Brown has been."

Brown, who has served in the Senate since 2007, is facing a challenge from Republican candidate Bernie Moreno. 

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Senator Sherrod Brown speaks during a nomination hearing on Capitol Hill, July 11, 2024. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Brown acknowledged the endorsement on social media, noting, "Bob Taft is the only guy to beat me in an election. Despite our political differences, I’m grateful to have his support in this race."

Taft defeated Brown in the 1990 Ohio secretary of state contest.

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Sen. JD Vance and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance celebrate as he is nominated for the office of vice president, alongside Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno, at the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Ohio's other U.S. senator, JD Vance, is former President Trump's 2024 running mate in the 2024 presidential contest.