Rep. Tim Ryan launched a bid for the U.S. Senate on Monday. Rep. Tim Ryan joined the race to succeed Sen. Rob Portman Monday, the first major Democrat to enter a contest already crowded with Republican contenders. Ryan, who briefly sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2019, has represented Northeast Ohio in Congress since 2003. His Mahoning Valley district has drifted toward Trump in the last two presidential contests. In a video announcing his campaign, Ryan tours the district in an SUV, visiting a football field and an empty factory. His campaign plans a “Workers First” tour of Ohio this week.