Trump’s sagging approval rate in Ohio puts Sen. Jon Husted in danger, poll shows

President Trump’s support in Ohio has cratered since the 2024 election and is hurting his endorsed candidate in the upcoming Senate race, a new Fox News poll shows. 

The poll, conducted over five days beginning last week and released Wednesday, finds that 42% of Ohio voters hold a favorable view of Mr. Trump – down from 52% in November 2024. 

His unfavorability rating rose from 46% to 57% over the same period.

This appears to be having an impact on the 2026 Senate race where Sen. Jon Husted, Ohio’s former lieutenant governor who was appointed to replace Vice President J.D. Vance, is running for election for the first time. 

The poll found that 53% of Ohio voters prefer the Democratic candidate, former Sen. Sherrod Brown, compared to 45% backing Mr. Husted. 

Mr. Trump has endorsed Mr. Husted, which should be a boost for a Republican in Ohio. However, the poll found that 46% of Ohio voters worry Mr. Husted is “too close” to Trump, including 10% who said they support the senator. 

Meanwhile, 39% of Ohioans say Mr. Brown is “too liberal,” including 13% of the Democrat’s supporters.

Democrats’ path to regaining control of the Senate runs through GOP-leaning states, such as Ohio, Alaska and Texas. They’d have to flip at least two in addition to their top targets of Maine and North Carolina to win the four seats needed to regain the majority while not losing any of their own.

The Ohio poll offers Democrats some encouragement.

Mr. Brown’s lead is boosted by support from 13% of the Republican respondents, and 31% of those who identify as non-MAGA Republicans.

Mr. Trump won Ohio by 11 percentage points in 2024. Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno ousted Mr. Brown that year, but by a far smaller 4-point spread. 

Mr. Brown’s current 8-point lead shows a significant shift in the electorate, although roughly a quarter of the poll’s respondents said they could still change their mind before November. 

Mr. Husted draws support from White evangelical Christians, rural voters and White men without a college degree.

Non-White voters, people under age 45, independents and women favor Mr. Brown.

The poll showed inflation is the top issue in the Senate race for 43% of voters, and that Democrats, Republicans and independents all weigh that far more heavily than other considerations.

Mr. Brown leads by 14 points among the voters who identified inflation as their primary concern, as well as those who are voting with healthcare at the front of their mind. 

Voters who prioritize immigration and border security over other issues favor Mr. Husted.

The Washington Times reached out to the Husted and Brown campaigns for comment.