“Sherrod’s victory shows a Democrat, a progressive Democrat did very, very well,” he said. “But it’s a function of more than campaign platform. It’s also the person.”

When it comes to taking on Trump, a candidate like Brown could be the solution, Democrats say.

“In many respects he provides the perfect antidote to President Trump,” said Democratic strategist Jim Manley, who got to know Brown when he served in the Senate for then-Majority Leader Harry Reid.

“He’s a proud progressive but he doesn’t utilize the harsh rhetoric that some on the left use,” Manley said. “That’s the difference.”