Ohio’s top elected Democrat endorses Congressman, Tim Ryan for Senate…an expected move aimed at further strengthening the party’s efforts to flip a key seat next year. Sen. Sherrod Brown, one of the state’s most successful politicians, called Ryan a friend who understands that all work has dignity. Ryan, 48, is a 10-term representative from Ohio’s blue-collar Mahoning Valley. He announced his Senate bid in April, to succeed Republican Sen. Rob Portman, who is retiring.