A fresh Fox News poll reveals that former Senator Sherrod Brown (D) holds an 8-point lead over current Senator Jon Husted (R) in Ohio's high-stakes Senate contest, as President Donald Trump's standing in the Buckeye State erodes. The survey, conducted from May 28 to June 1, shows Brown with 53 percent support against Husted's 45 percent, with 2 percent undecided among 1,015 registered voters. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Brown, who lost his seat to Republican Bernie Moreno in 2024 after an 18-year Senate career, secured the Democratic nomination last month with ease, easily dispatching a little-known primary challenger. Husted, who succeeded Vice President J.D. Vance after Vance joined the Trump administration, faced no primary opposition. The two are set to clash in November in what is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested midterm races nationwide.
Trump's Fading Star in Ohio
The poll underscores a notable shift in Ohio's political mood. Only 42 percent of respondents said they view Trump favorably—either strongly or somewhat—down 5 points from October 2020. Meanwhile, 57 percent expressed unfavorable views, a 5-point increase from that same benchmark. This decline aligns with national trends: Decision Desk HQ's polling average puts Trump's approval at 38.9 percent and disapproval at 56.8 percent as of Thursday.
The president's struggles are compounded by economic headwinds and the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has driven up gasoline prices. The average price for a regular gallon of gas in Ohio hit $4.18 by Thursday morning, up sharply from $3.06 a year ago, according to AAA. The war has kept the Strait of Hormuz largely closed, squeezing global oil supplies and hitting Midwestern drivers hard.
Midterm Stakes and Senate Math
Democrats need to flip four Senate seats to reclaim the majority—a daunting goal that has become more plausible as Trump's approval ratings sag. Ohio is a critical piece of that puzzle. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, but the party faces a treacherous landscape heading into the midterms, with voters expressing anxiety over the economy, the Iran war, and Trump's leadership.
“Winning Ohio is essential for Democrats if they want to take back the Senate,” noted one political analyst tracking the race. The state, once a reliable bellwether, has trended rightward in recent cycles, but Brown's name recognition and populist appeal could give Democrats a foothold.
The Fox News poll offers a snapshot of voter sentiment ahead of what promises to be an expensive and bitter campaign. Both parties are expected to pour millions into Ohio, where the outcome could determine control of the upper chamber. For now, Brown appears to have the edge, but with months until Election Day, the race remains fluid.
