In a surprising development for Ohio’s political scene, a new Fox News poll reveals that former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown is leading incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted by eight percentage points. This comes in a state that former President Donald Trump won by a significant margin in the 2024 presidential election.

The poll, conducted by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research, shows Brown with 53% support compared to Husted’s 45%. This shift highlights a potential change in voter sentiment, as Brown consolidates 98% of Democratic support and attracts 13% of Republican voters, including 31% of those identifying as non-MAGA Republicans.

Voter favorability ratings in Ohio mirror this trend, with 57% of residents viewing Trump unfavorably. Husted’s ratings are similar, with 50% unfavorable and 41% favorable. In contrast, Brown enjoys a net-positive rating, with 53% viewing him favorably.

The poll also indicates that 46% of respondents are concerned about Husted’s close ties to Trump, a concern shared by 10% of his own supporters. Husted was appointed to the Senate by Governor Mike DeWine to fill the vacancy left by JD Vance when he became Vice President. The 2026 Senate race is a special election, with the winner serving the remainder of the term and running again in 2028.

Outside groups are already active in the race, with the Sentinel Action Fund endorsing Husted, highlighting his alignment with conservative values and Trump’s agenda. Meanwhile, the Ohio governor’s race remains tight, with Democrat Amy Acton leading Republican Vivek Ramaswamy by a single point.

The poll, conducted from May 28 to June 1, surveyed 1,015 registered Ohio voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.