Politics · United States · 16 hrs ago
Trump's unpopularity may put Republican strongholds in play at midterms
Ohio voters will choose members of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, which will shape the second half of President Donald Trump's term.
The state has voted Republican in recent years, but polls suggest some traditionally Republican states could be competitive.
In Ohio, a New York Times/Siena poll found Democrat Sherrod Brown ahead of Republican incumbent John Husted, 49 to 46.
Some voters are unhappy with rising living costs and the Trump administration's treatment of immigrants.
Political analyst David Hopkins says the contest is increasingly a judgment on Trump, rather than a sign that the Democratic Party has become more popular.
Democrats need to gain four Republican-held Senate seats while keeping their own seats to win a Senate majority.
Polls suggest that outcome is increasingly possible, but voters will decide the races in November.
Donald Trump’s unpopularity and concerns about living costs could put Republican strongholds in play in the November 3 midterm elections.
Polling cited by ABC shows Democrat Sherrod Brown leading Republican incumbent John Husted 49 to 46 in Ohio’s Senate race.
Democrats need to gain four Republican-held Senate seats while holding their own to win a majority.
Chillicothe resident Daniel DeGarmo, who voted for Trump in 2016 and 2024, says he is unsure whether he will vote this year.
Some analysts describe the risk to Republicans as a “red undertow” driven by Trump’s unpopularity rather than increased support for Democrats.
- Who
- Republicans and Democrats are competing in the midterm elections; Ohio voters include Daniel DeGarmo.
- What
- Trump’s unpopularity and concerns about living costs may help Democrats compete in Republican strongholds.
- When
- The midterm elections are on November 3, 2026.
- Where
- The story focuses on Ohio, including Chillicothe, and also discusses other Republican-leaning states.
- Why
- Some voters are unhappy with rising living costs and the Trump administration’s treatment of immigrants.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Right now I'm stuck in the middle, and I'm not really sure if I'll even vote, quite frankly.
What we're seeing is definitely a lot more of a referendum on Trump than it is a referendum on the Democratic Party.
pretend I'm on the ballot
Daniel DeGarmo voted for Donald Trump.
DeGarmo voted for Trump again.
Trump visited Ohio during a midterms campaign blitz and urged voters to pretend he was on the ballot.
A New York Times/Siena poll found Democrat Sherrod Brown leading Republican incumbent John Husted 49 to 46 in Ohio.
The midterm elections are scheduled to take place.
- Ohio Senate poll
- Sherrod Brown 49, John Husted 46
- Senate seats needed
- Democrats need to gain four Republican-held seats and hold their own to win a majority.
- Election date
- November 3, 2026
- Chillicothe voter
- Daniel DeGarmo voted for Trump in 2016 and 2024
- States with strong Democratic polling
- Texas, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas and Ohio
Sources
Related news
Tillis says Trump’s Russian diesel deal may violate US law
Trump and Rubio consider firing US ambassador to Greece
Trump has not decided whether to livestream Nidal Hasan’s execution
US Justice Department investigates networks over White House coverage pause
Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall pays bakery bill from 2020 campaign event
Vance doubts plan to livestream Nidal Hasan’s execution
US suspends major tech firms from green-card labor certification program
Trump names Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary
Trump creates committee to investigate allegations against Fed governor Lisa Cook
Michigan Senate candidates trade personal attacks in first televised debate
Trump orders inquiry into Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook
