The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants have announced three endorsements for Ohio’s general election.

In the U.S. Senate race, the group, which represents 85,000 CPAs and accounting professionals in the state, announced their backing of both incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown and his Republican challenger, U.S. Rep Jim Renacci.

“Sen. Brown has been an advocate on some very difficult issues for OSCPA — including taking on his own leadership for the betterment of the CPA profession,” Scott Wiley, president and CEO of the group, said. “His leadership on our issues has been invaluable.

Even when he disagrees with us, he works to find a solution to make improvements. He is always accessible to hear our concerns, he’s fair, and he has a strong record of championing our issues.”

Brown thanked the group for their backing.

“For so many Ohio families and businesses, CPAs offer relief from a stressful, sometimes confusing process — that’s why it’s been so important to hear the concerns of the Ohio Society of CPAs and its members as the Senate considers changes that would impact their profession,” Brown said in a news release. “Together, we will continue to work to find commonsense, bipartisan ways to simplify our tax process, make it easier for Ohioans to get professional tax advice, and help working Ohioans see more of their paychecks.”

Brown, who is seeking a third term in the Senate, will face Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci in the fall.

With the announcement of the joint endorsement, Renacci’s campaign pointed out that the candidate is himself a CPA and was “a chief architect of the tax cuts and jobs act.”

“Congressman Renacci was instrumental in crafting tax reform provisions to help drive our nation’s economy and has supported several bills that directly impact the accounting profession, including HB 5377, which enabled the IRS to create an online portal for businesses to e-file Form 1099s,” Scott Wiley, president and CEO of The Ohio Society of CPAs, said. “He has worked closely with OSCPA’s experts to advance the key tax issues that matter most to our members, and OSCPA is proud to endorse him in his Senate race.”

Renacci responded to the endorsement.

“As a CPA myself, I understand firsthand the issues that are important to CPAs, like streamlining the filing process during tax season, transparency, and decreasing our nation’s debt,” he said. “I am proud to have earned the OSCPA’s endorsement.”

In the auditor’s race, the group is backing Republican Keith Faber, a state representative who previously served as Senate president.

“Keith Faber’s leadership experience as Senate president, along with his understanding of state and local government operations, is invaluable,” Wiley said. “His track record speaks for itself: He is a watchdog for Ohio taxpayer dollars and has a strong history of advocating for efficient, cost-effective and transparent government operations.”

Faber responded to the endorsement.

“The CPA’s of Ohio have been fighting for a more efficient state government for years. They get it,” he said in a news release. “They understand the crucial role of the Auditor in making Ohio government work better. The CPA’s recognize my unique background and track record and how it applies to the job of Auditor of State.”

Faber, who is seeking the seat being vacated by Republican David Yost, faces Democratic former U.S. Rep. Zack Space in the race.