Acton edges Ramaswamy in Ohio

A new Bowling Green State University and YouGov poll shows Democrat Amy Acton leading Republican Vivek Ramaswamy 48 percent to 45 percent in Ohio's governor's race, within the margin of error.

Ramaswamy's support has slipped

Compared to an April poll by the same pollster, Ramaswamy's support dropped by 1 percentage point, signaling momentum shift in the race.

Voters still expect Ramaswamy to win

Despite trailing in the ballot test, 62 percent of voters believe Ramaswamy will become governor, while only 36 percent expect Acton to prevail.

Both candidates have negative ratings

Acton has 41 percent favorable and 42 percent unfavorable ratings, while Ramaswamy stands at 36 percent favorable and 47 percent unfavorable.

April showed Ramaswamy ahead

In an April Bowling Green State University and YouGov poll, Ramaswamy led Acton 48 percent to 47 percent, showing the race has shifted.

Multiple polls show tight race

A Fox News poll put Ramaswamy ahead 50 to 48 percent, while a Wedgewood poll showed Acton ahead 47 to 46 percent, and a New York Times poll had them tied at 47 percent.

Cook Political Report shifts rating

The Cook Political Report moved the race from Lean Republican to a toss-up in July, citing that candidate flaws can anchor a campaign despite strong fundraising.

“it's an inescapable law of politics: Money can only propel a campaign so far when its candidate's flaws act as an anchor.”

Acton campaign touts change message

Acton's campaign manager said voters are ready for change and that Acton will lower costs and tackle corruption, while Ramaswamy doesn't understand Ohio.

“Dr. Acton is the only candidate in this race who will lower costs, tackle the cost of corruption, and build a state where all of us can get ahead.”

Ohio has elected only Republicans since 2011

Ohio's last Democratic governor was Ted Strickland, who served from 2007 to 2011. All governors since then have been Republican, including current term-limited Governor Mike DeWine.

Trump won Ohio by 11 points in 2024

Trump carried Ohio by about 11 percentage points in 2024, an improvement over his 8-point margins in 2020 and 2016, showing the state's Republican shift.

Brown leads Husted in Senate race

Former three-term Senator Sherrod Brown leads Republican Jon Husted 48 percent to 45 percent in the same Bowling Green State University and YouGov poll.

Voters expect Husted to win Senate

Despite Brown's polling lead, 53 percent of voters believe Husted will become senator, while only 45 percent expect Brown to prevail.

Democrats see path to Senate control

Democrats need to flip four Republican seats to take the Senate majority. Ohio and Texas are viewed as competitive opportunities, with analysts noting Republicans face significant headwinds.

Trump's approval rating at historic low

Trump's job approval stands at 34 percent with 60 percent disapproving, giving a net approval rating of minus 26, according to Civiqs' rolling tracking poll.

Election day is November 3

Ohio's voter registration deadline is October 5, with early in-person voting beginning October 6. Election day is November 3 for governor, Senate, and House races.