Powered by a clear favorability advantage, a large gender gap and voter discontent with both household finances and President Donald Trump, former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown has the edge over appointed Republican Sen. Jon Husted in the Ohio Senate race.
A Fox News survey of likely Ohio voters finds Brown leads Husted, 52% to 47%. Brown’s advantage is anchored by his stronger personal standing, with his favorability rating 2 points above water (50% favorable, 48% unfavorable), while Husted’s rating sits 13 points underwater (42% favorable, 55% unfavorable). FOX NEWS POLL: COST-OF-LIVING CONCERNS WEIGH ON GOP IN MIDTERMS More Brown supporters (88%) than Husted backers (83%) say they’re certain of their vote.
FOX NEWS POLL: IT’S A LONE STAR SENATE SHOWDOWN BETWEEN TALARICO AND PAXTON Economic unease creates another headwind for Husted because about 2½ times as many voters say their financial situation is worse than two years ago rather than better (46% vs. 19%). Those who say things are worse favor Brown by 49 points, while those who say their finances are better or the same favor Husted by 51 and 24 points, respectively. The president’s standing in Ohio adds to Husted’s difficulties.
Trump won the Buckeye State with 55% of the vote in 2024, but just 43% now approve of his job performance. A 57% majority disapproves, with 46% saying they "strongly" disapprove. Meanwhile, 52% express concern that Husted is too close to Trump, including 38% who are extremely concerned.
Brown faces similar concerns about being too liberal, as 50% are worried, though fewer, 30%, are extremely concerned. In the matchup, women favor Brown by 14 points, while men support Husted by 4, an 18-point gender gap. Brown also has advantages among voters under 35, voters with a college degree, union voters and those living in urban and suburban areas.
Husted relies on rural communities, non-college White men and married voters and has a narrow edge among those ages 65 and up. Partisan crossovers further tilt the field toward the challenger. While Husted receives 90% of Republicans, 9% cross over to back Brown.
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