A Fox News poll released Wednesday shows Democratic nominee Sherrod Brown leading incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted by 8 points in Ohio. Brown, a former three-term senator, aims to return to Washington after losing to Republican Bernie Moreno in 2024. Husted took office in January 2025, following JD Vance’s appointment as vice president.
The poll indicates Brown holds 53% of the vote, while Husted has 45% among registered Ohio voters. Brown and Husted’s campaigns did not comment on the poll findings.
Poll Insights
Both candidates won their nominations in last month’s primary. Husted’s current favorability rating stands at 41%, with a 50% unfavorable rating. Brown’s favorability is higher, at 53%, and an unfavorable rating of 44%.
President Donald Trump’s favorability is 42%, while his unfavorable rating is 57%. This marks a shift from a November 2024 poll where he had a 52% favorability rating.
The Fox News poll surveyed 1,015 registered voters in Ohio from May 28 to June 1, with a margin of error of 3%.
Brown enjoys 98% support among Democrats, whereas Husted secures 86% support from Republicans. Notably, 13% of Republicans back Brown, and 2% of Democrats support Husted. The Cook Political Report labels the Ohio Senate race a “toss-up,” alongside races in Maine and Michigan.
Campaign Rhetoric
Brown and Husted have engaged in social media exchanges. Husted’s team criticized Brown’s lengthy career and questioned his accomplishments. In response, Brown called out Husted on issues like rising gas prices and healthcare premiums, blaming him for affordability problems in Ohio.
Other Poll Findings
A Bowling Green State University/YouGov poll, conducted before the primary, showed Husted with 50% of the hypothetical vote against Brown’s 47%. Another 3% of voters preferred alternative candidates. This survey involved 1,000 registered Ohio voters between April 7 and April 14, with a 3.88% margin of error.
Furthermore, a NetChoice poll by Echelon Insights found Husted leading with 51% over Brown’s 45%. This poll surveyed 413 Ohio voters from April 3 to April 9, with a 5.8% margin of error.