A fresh survey from Wedgewood Polls indicates tight races at the top of Ohio's 2026 ticket, with former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) and Dr. Amy Acton (D) each holding narrow advantages over their Republican challengers.
In the Senate contest, Brown leads appointed incumbent Sen. Jon Husted (R) by four points, 48 percent to 44 percent. For governor, Acton, a former state health director, edges out 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy 47 percent to 46 percent. Both margins fall within the poll's 4-point error window, leaving the outcomes effectively toss-ups.
The survey, conducted August 11-13 among 800 likely voters, shows the Democratic candidates consolidating support from the 2024 Harris coalition. Brown captures 94 percent of those voters, with 3 percent undecided; Acton holds 93 percent. On the Republican side, Husted draws 85 percent of Trump voters, while Ramaswamy locks down 88 percent. Notably, 9 percent of Trump voters in the Senate race remain undecided, roughly double the undecided rate in the gubernatorial contest.
Brown's campaign has a significant financial edge. He raised $12.5 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared to Husted's $2.9 million. This comes as Brown re-enters the political fray less than a year after losing his seat to Sen. Bernie Moreno (R) by about five points. Husted was appointed to the Senate by Gov. Mike DeWine after Vice President Vance vacated the seat to join the White House.
In the governor's race, Ramaswamy, who has been endorsed by the term-limited DeWine, has pumped $25 million of his own money into his campaign in the first quarter. Despite that, Acton leads among the same Democratic-leaning subgroups as Brown. Ramaswamy, however, holds a comfortable advantage among men and voters without a four-year degree.
Age demographics could play a decisive role. Ohio ranks in the top half of states for median age, and among voters aged 45 and older, the candidates are largely within the margin of error—except Ramaswamy, who leads Acton by six points among those aged 45-64.
With both races so close, the outcomes may hinge on late-deciding voters and the ability of each campaign to turn out their bases. The political landscape in Ohio, a state Trump carried by 11 points in 2024, remains competitive despite its red tint. As Senate Republicans prepare for a fall agenda fight, these Ohio numbers could signal broader trends. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding a state lawmaker may add another layer of unpredictability to the GOP primary dynamics.
The Wedgewood Poll's findings come as both parties gear up for what promises to be one of the most closely watched Senate and gubernatorial cycles in the Midwest. With the margin of error so tight, every percentage point will matter in the months ahead.
