NBC4 offers in-depth look at Ohio Senate campaigns

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- One of the most closely watched races in the country is Ohio's battle for Senator, and NBC4 has an inside look at the candidates.

Cleveland area business man Bernie Moreno (R) is trying to unseat veteran incumbent Senator Sherrod Brown (D). It's a race that could determine the balance of power on Capitol Hill, and it is already the most expensive Senate campaign in the nation.

NBC4's Colleen Marshall, along with producer Rachel Gribble and photographer Bill Regan, hit the road to bring Ohio voters closer to the candidates. NBC4's team followed each candidate for two days around the state to deliver exclusive, in-depth coverage of these important campaigns.

Bernie Moreno in Ross and Fayette Counties

Moreno's primary victory was secured by an endorsement from Donald Trump, and the two agree on many policies and politics. Moreno's campaign focuses on closed borders, lowering inflation and other policies attractive to many Republican voters. He said people are starting to pay attention to his "Defend America Tour" and his messaging.

Moreno said he is on the road seven days a week to speak with Ohioans, but he is trailed on this tour of the state by protestors, who aim to inform voters that he was court-ordered to pay his workers $400,000 after failing to pay overtime wages. This is also the center of many anti-Moreno ads from Brown's campaign, especially as this is Moreno's first venture into politics, leaving little record for Brown to attack.

Although Moreno cannot hide from that judge's order, he can -- and does -- criticize it, chalking it up as a baseless case. Moreno said his views represent Ohioans better than Brown, and said he proudly runs on the Trump platform and conservative principles, and some voters agree. Watch NBC4's full coverage of Bernie Moreno's campaign and voter reactions in the video player above.

Sherrod Brown in Cuyahoga and Franklin Counties

Brown is the only Democrat elected statewide for move than a decade, but he is now taking on Moreno in what might be the tightest race of his 49-year political career. In an increasingly Republican Ohio, Brown promotes a progressive message of standing up to drug companies and Wall Street. Brown said he fights for Ohioans, and maintains Moreno will not. His stance on abortion attracts some women voters, and he said he also prioritizes veteran voters, having held veteran round tables in half of Ohio's 88 counties.

Brown's criticisms often circle around his long political career, with Moreno and other opponents dubbing him a "lifelong politician" who has overstayed his welcome. Moreno also leans into voters who blame Brown for supporting policies that they say resulted in high inflation and open borders, and for his voting record on gay rights, climate change and immigration.

Brown said he is counting on independent voters and lifelong Republicans who disagree with MAGA politics to deliver the vote, and he has found some support in these groups. Brown argues his long career shows a record of him collaborating with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help Ohioans. Watch NBC4's full coverage of Sherrod Brown's campaign and voter reactions in the video player above.