Full Breakdown
Sherrod Brown Leads Ohio Senate Race
6/5/2026, 1:14:28 AM
Brown Leads Husted by Eight Points
An Fox News poll of 1,015 Ohio voters (May 28–June 1) shows former Democratic senator Sherrod Brown at 53 percent versus incumbent Republican Jon Husted at 45 percent. The ±3-point margin of error makes the eight-point lead statistically significant. Trump’s favorability is 42 percent, disapproval 57 percent.
Political Context
Brown lost his Senate seat to Republican Bernie Moreno in 2024 after an 18-year tenure. Jon Husted was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine in 2025 to replace JD Vance, who became Vice President. The November election will fill the remainder of Vance’s term. Democrats need four net Senate seats to gain control.
Key Candidates
Sherrod Brown, former three-term Democratic senator, is the Democratic nominee. Jon Husted, former Ohio secretary of state and current Republican senator, is the GOP nominee. President Trump’s waning approval, JD Vance’s vice-presidency, and Gov. DeWine’s appointment of Husted shape the contest.
Poll Numbers & Demographics
Brown leads Husted 53-45. Brown’s favorability 53 percent; Husted’s 44 percent. Trump’s favorability 42 percent, disapproval 57 percent. 31 percent of non-MAGA Republicans and 13 percent of all Republicans back Brown. Brown leads non-white voters by 58 points; White voters tie at 49 percent. Inflation is top issue (43 percent), followed by health care (12 percent) and immigration (11 percent). Sixty-eight percent of Brown supporters vote for him rather than against Husted; 46 percent view Husted as “too close” to Trump.
Impact on Senate Control
The Senate majority hinges on a net gain of four seats for Democrats. Ohio’s special election could flip a Republican-appointed seat, affecting control. Trump’s declining popularity and inflation concerns appear to favor Brown.
Official Statements
Poll designers Daron Shaw (R) and Chris Anderson (D) said the survey reflects Ohio’s electorate after weighting for age, race, education and geography, noting Brown’s lead exceeds the ±3-point error.
Criticism & Opposition
Thirty-nine percent label Brown “too liberal,” including 13 percent of his supporters. Forty-six percent view Husted as “too close” to Trump, with 10 percent of his backers sharing that view. Husted retains strong support among white evangelical Christians (+32), rural voters (+11) and white men without a college degree (+7).
Verbatim Quotes
- "There’s good reason for the Democrats to be bullish on Ohio," — Daron Shaw, Republican pollster
- "The state remains solidly Republican, but Democrats are united against Trump allies and independents prefer Brown." — Daron Shaw, Republican pollster
- "Brown garners fully 98% support among Democrats compared to Husted’s 86% among Republicans." — Fox News poll
- "Inflation dominates, with 43% saying it is the most important issue in their Senate vote." — Fox News poll
What’s Next
The November 2026 special election will determine the seat’s occupant; the winner will serve the remaining two years of Vance’s term before the 2028 regular election.
