Ohio's governor and U.S. Senate races remain neck-and-neck heading toward the November election, according to a new Bowling Green State University poll.
The poll found both Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown leading their Republican opponents. Democrats hold narrow leads in Ohio's governor and Senate races, but many voters still expect Republicans to ultimately win.
The survey of 1,000 likely Ohio voters found Democrats with small advantages in both races. Here's a closer look at the results.
Amy Acton leads Vivek Ramaswamy in tight Ohio governor race
Acton leads Ramaswamy 48% to 45%, but that lead falls within the poll's margin of error, making the race statistically tied.
Even so, voters appear to believe Republicans have the upper hand come November. Sixty-two percent said they expect Ramaswamy to win, compared
with 36% who said that Acton will win.
As for favorability, Acton is viewed favorably by a total of 41% of voters and unfavorably by 42%. Ramaswamy's ratings are slightly weaker, with 47% viewing him unfavorably compared to 36% of voters viewing him favorably.
Sherrod Brown narrowly leads Jon Husted in Senate race
As for the Senate race, Democrat Sherrod Brown holds the same 3-point advantage as Acton.
Brown leads Husted 48% to 45%, but a majority of Ohio voters, 53%, say they still expect Husted to win. Forty-five percent said they expect Brown to win.
Brown's favorability ratings were nearly even, with 42% viewing him favorably and 41% unfavorably. Meanwhile Husted's ratings were less positive, with 35% favorable and 46% unfavorable.
Ohio voters close on Democrat, Republican support, most disapprove of President Trump's performance
When asked whether Ohioans would support a Democrat or Republican in their district, 48% said they would support a Democratic candidate in their district, compared with 47% who said they would back a Republican.
Voters expressed dissatisfaction with both the nation and the state. Sixty-one percent said the country is on the wrong track, while 31% said it is headed in the right direction. Ohio received slightly better marks, but a majority still said the state is on the wrong track, 52% to 31%.
Forty percent of respondents approve of the way President Donald Trump is handling the job, while 60% disapprove.
Economy and inflation top concerns for Ohio voters
According to the poll, the economy continues to dominate Ohio voters' concerns. The economy and inflation ranked as the top issues facing the state. Here's how they rank:
- Economy in general: 40%
- Inflation: 34%
- Government corruption: 28%
- Health care: 24%
- Threats to democracy: 23%
- Immigration: 20%
Voters ranked those issues well ahead of abortion (6%), artificial intelligence (7%), guns (4%) and higher education (2%).
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Acton, Brown lead in Ohio poll, but GOP may have Senate, governor edge
