BROWN ENDORSES SPACE: Former U.S. Rep. Zack Space has picked up the backing of Ohio’s senior U.S. senator in his quest to become state auditor.
Zack announced the endorsement of Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, in a news release on Monday.

“I’m truly honored to receive the endorsement of my friend, former Congressional colleague, and America’s finest Senator, Sherrod Brown in my campaign for Auditor of State,” Space said.

Brown, the only statewide elected Democrat in Ohio, touted Space’s work as a congressman.

“I witnessed firsthand Zack Space’s commitment to delivering results for hardworking Ohioans and their families when he served our state in Congress,” Brown said. “I’m proud to endorse Zack Space today because I know he will be the Auditor of State Ohio needs: he will work to end partisan gerrymandering, and will restore faith and confidence in Ohio’s democratic process.”

Space will face Kelli Prather in the primary. The auditor’s seat is an open race, as incumbent Republican David Yost has filed to run for Ohio attorney general.

PAUL BACKS GIBBONS: In this year’s race for Ohio’s U.S. senate seat, U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci, R-Ohio, has secured the backing of establishment leaders, including the state party, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman and President Donald Trump, who urged his party’s support at a campaign stop in Cincinnati earlier this year.

However, one of Renacci’s opponents, Cleveland investment banker Mike Gibbons, is being supported by one of his party’s most prominent names.

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, a favorite of the Tea Party movement within the Republican Party, announced his endorsement of Gibbons two weeks ago.

Paul, who was first elected in 2010, said he supports Gibbons, a newcomer to electoral politics, who has also secured the backing of the Franklin County Republican Party.

Renacci and Gibbons face Melissa Ackison in the Republican primary, with the winner challenging Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown in the fall.