Shontel Brown defeats Nina Turner in intense rematch in Ohio

Shontel Brown (D-OH) won the Democratic primaries in Ohio’s 11th constituency Tuesday night, again against progressive activist Nina Turner, who launched a rematch against her this year.

Turner and Brown last faced off last August in the Democratic primaries to replace Marcia Fudge, who left her seat in Congress to serve as Housing and Urban Development Secretary. Their run has drawn a surge in outside spending and caused a tense split between the moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic Party.

While the rematch was quieter, the cracks that appeared in last year’s competition remained. Brown’s brief tenure in the House won her endorsement from a number of key Democratic figures, including President Joe Biden, House Speaker Jim Clyburn (D) and the Progressives of the House of Representatives. Congress, among others.

Still, Turner attracted some endorsements from the more progressive left, including Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and several outside groups. She argues that Brown is too dependent on PAC money – that she is more of an active fighter for progressives’ legislative priorities.

Ohio’s 11th District is heavily Democratic, which means Brown is likely to face a minor run-in from the Republican candidate. Meanwhile, Turner is not expected to disappear from the progressive world of politics. Her name has emerged as a potential 2024 candidate for president, with questions remaining as to whether Biden will run for re-election.