Former Senator Launches ‘Dignity of Work Institute’ Amid Political Speculation

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown announced the launch of the non-partisan “Dignity of Work Institute” on Monday, aiming to center the lives and needs of American workers in political discourse. Brown, who has long advocated for workers’ rights, stated in a recent column that this initiative is crucial for the future direction of the Democratic Party.

The institute will focus on research to better understand the challenges faced by American workers through various means, including polls and interviews. Brown shared insights from his Associated Press interview, emphasizing that the current political dialogue surrounding the economy is “fundamentally flawed” and fails to accurately reflect workers’ realities.

At 72, Brown is at a crossroads following his defeat last year for a fourth Senate term against Republican Bernie Moreno, and speculation is growing about his potential run for the Senate in 2026. However, he clarified that the Dignity of Work Institute is not a stepping stone for political ambitions. “My focus isn’t there now. I’m not going around the state campaigning. My focus is on getting this up and running,” Brown said.

The institute will be based in Columbus, where Brown and his wife, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Connie Schultz, relocated last week to be closer to their grandchildren after living in Cleveland. Emphasizing the importance of Ohio over coastal locations, Brown asserted, “This isn’t a plaything, this isn’t a launch for higher office. I’m serious about this. I always have been on these issues.”

Brown’s initiative follows a period of reflection on how Democrats can reclaim support among working-class voters. In an article for The New Republic, he called for an honest assessment of the party’s identity. “The way we see ourselves as the Democratic Party—the party of the people, the working class, and the middle class—no longer matches up with what most voters think,” he wrote.

He criticized both major parties for not adequately addressing the concerns of workers. “The Democratic Party is the compensate-the-betrayed party. The Republicans are the party of compensate-the-winners, tax cuts for rich people,” Brown explained. “Neither party is the make-workers-the-winners party, and that’s what this is about.”

The Dignity of Work Institute’s mission will include advocating for key issues such as wages, family leave, housing, education, and retirement. Supporters of the organization believe it will promote a critical dialogue that prioritizes workers’ needs in political discussions.

Brown is also scheduled to speak at an event organized by the Center for American Progress Action Fund titled “Working-Class Voters, the Economy, and the Democratic Party” this Wednesday, where he is expected to elaborate on the roles of working-class voters and economic policy in the future of the Democratic Party.