Democrat Gain On Top Trump Ally
A new statewide poll suggests Ohio’s race for governor is turning into a political showdown, with voters sharply divided and the outcome far from settled.
According to a survey released Thursday by Emerson College Polling, Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy are now effectively tied, underscoring how competitive the race has become as economic concerns dominate the electorate.
The poll shows Acton with 46 percent support, while Ramaswamy — a businessman and former Republican presidential candidate — follows closely at 45 percent. Another 9 percent of voters remain undecided, placing the contest well within the survey’s 3.3-point margin of error.
Momentum Shift Raises Stakes
Compared to a similar Emerson poll conducted in August, the latest numbers indicate a notable shift. Acton has gained seven points, while Ramaswamy’s support has slipped by four points, narrowing what was previously a clearer Republican advantage.
Polling analysts say voter movement over the past four months suggests heightened volatility, particularly among suburban and independent voters.
Gender Divide Becomes More Pronounced
The data also reveal a deepening gender gap. Male voters continue to strongly favor Ramaswamy, while female voters have moved sharply toward Acton.
In August, women were nearly evenly split between the two candidates. Now, women back Acton by a wide margin, while men support Ramaswamy by roughly 20 points, according to Emerson College Polling Executive Director Spencer Kimball.
Senate Race Remains Competitive
The poll also examined Ohio’s U.S. Senate contest and found another close race. Republican Sen. Jon Husted leads Democrat Sherrod Brown 49 percent to 46 percent, with 5 percent undecided.
Since August, Brown has seen a modest increase in support, while Husted’s numbers have remained relatively steady, signaling a competitive environment heading into the final stretch.
Economy Dominates Voter Priorities
When asked to identify their most important issue, Ohio voters overwhelmingly cited the economy, with 44 percent ranking it as their top concern.
Other issues ranked significantly lower:
- Threats to democracy: 13%
- Health care: 11%
- Housing affordability: 9%
- Immigration: 8%
The results reflect ongoing concerns over inflation, energy costs, and household expenses, especially among older voters.
Younger Voters Show Unexpected Trends
Interestingly, the poll found that younger Ohioans who did not vote in 2024 are more likely to identify as Republicans than Democrats, though many still lean Democratic when casting ballots.
Voters in their 30s show stronger Democratic alignment than those under 30, highlighting evolving political dynamics that could reshape future elections.
Poll Methodology
The Emerson College Polling survey was conducted December 6–8 among 850 active registered voters across Ohio.
