Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is under investigation by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) after receiving campaign contributions from a deceased Ohio resident.

The inquiry was launched after donations from the late Carol Ann Baker, who passed away in December 2023, were flagged as suspicious, and the case has gained attention as Brown prepares for one of the most competitive electoral races of his career, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Donations Flagged by State Officials

The controversy began when Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, flagged the contributions made in May to the Friends of Sherrod Brown committee.

LaRose’s office initiated the investigation after discovering that the donations, totaling $350, were made under the name of Carol Ann Baker, a Toledo resident who had died months before the contributions were made.

The discovery was prompted by a formal complaint from Benjamin J. Drill, a resident of Ohio. Drill alerted LaRose’s office to the potential discrepancy, leading to a formal inquiry by the state’s Election Integrity unit.

Ohio Secretary of State Refers Case to FEC

After LaRose’s team confirmed Baker’s death, the case was referred to the Federal Election Commission for further investigation.

“Our office received a complaint identifying that the Friends of Sherrod Brown committee reported receiving two contributions from an individual that was confirmed to be deceased,” said Dan Lushek, a spokesman for LaRose’s office.

LaRose’s office also expressed readiness to cooperate with the FEC, as stated in a letter sent to the FEC’s Office of General Counsel in August. His Election Integrity unit has offered assistance to ensure the case is thoroughly investigated.

Brown's Campaign Donation Under Scrutiny

The two contributions in question were made months after Baker’s death, raising concerns about potential campaign finance violations.

As part of the inquiry, Baker’s widow provided an affidavit confirming that her spouse had indeed passed away in December 2023. This development deepened the mystery surrounding the legitimacy of the donations.

LaRose’s office has expressed its willingness to assist in the investigation, but further details have yet to emerge.

Republican Opponents Question Campaign Ethics

Reagan McCarthy, a spokeswoman for Bernie Moreno, Brown’s Republican challenger, has been vocal in her criticism of the donations. Moreno’s team has expressed concern over the circumstances, calling the contributions a “conspiracy that deserves more scrutiny.”

“How far does it go?” McCarthy questioned in a statement to the press. The Moreno campaign has used the incident to cast doubt on Brown’s campaign practices as the race for the Senate seat heats up.

Upcoming Race Between Brown and Moreno

The investigation comes as Brown prepares for a competitive Senate race against businessman Bernie Moreno. This race is considered one of the most hotly contested elections in the nation, with both candidates vying for an influential seat in Ohio.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether it will affect the outcome of the election. The case is particularly significant because of Brown’s longstanding presence in the Senate and Moreno’s efforts to unseat him.

Conclusion

The FEC’s investigation into Sherrod Brown’s campaign following suspicious donations from a deceased donor has raised questions about the integrity of his fundraising efforts.

While Brown’s team has not yet commented on the situation, the inquiry remains active as his race against Bernie Moreno intensifies.

The investigation’s findings may play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion as the election draws near.