A Fox News poll conducted October 15-19, 2026, reveals that former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown holds a 52% to 47% lead over appointed Republican Senator Jon Husted in the Ohio Senate race [1]. Brown's advantage is anchored by stronger personal favorability, with his rating at 50% favorable and 48% unfavorable, compared to Husted's significantly weaker 42% favorable and 55% unfavorable standing [1]. Additionally, 88% of Brown supporters express certainty in their vote compared to 83% of Husted backers [1].
Economic discontent emerges as a critical factor shaping the race [1]. Approximately 46% of Ohio voters report their financial situation has worsened over the past two years versus only 19% who say it has improved [1]. Voters citing financial deterioration favor Brown by 49 points, while those reporting improved or unchanged finances favor Husted by 51 and 24 points respectively [1]. President Trump's approval rating in Ohio has declined substantially, with only 43% approving of his job performance and 57% disapproving, including 46% who "strongly" disapprove, despite Trump winning Ohio with 55% of the vote in 2024 [1].
A pronounced gender gap significantly benefits Brown, who leads among women by 14 points while Husted leads among men by only 4 points, creating an 18-point gender gap [1]. Brown also maintains advantages among voters under 35, college-educated voters, union members, and those in urban and suburban areas [1]. Partisan crossover voting further tilts toward Brown, with 9% of Republicans supporting him compared to just 2% of Democrats backing Husted, and Brown carrying independents by nearly two to one [1]. On the broader legislative preference, Ohioans divide 50% for Democratic Senate control versus 48% for Republican control [1].
CONCLUSION
The Fox News poll indicates a competitive but Democratic-leaning Ohio Senate race, with Sherrod Brown maintaining a narrow 5-point lead driven by superior personal favorability, widespread economic discontent, and significant gender gap advantages. Trump's declining approval in Ohio and notable Republican-to-Democrat crossover voting present structural headwinds for incumbent Republican Jon Husted heading into the election.