Ohio Lawmakers Split on 2026 Midterm Predictions in New Survey
New legislative survey shows divided predictions for Ohio’s 2026 races, with tight contests expected for Senate and governor.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — A new survey of Ohio legislators reveals divided predictions for the state’s 2026 midterm elections, with tight races expected across multiple statewide offices as November approaches.
The Gongwer/Werth Legislative Survey collected responses from 35 percent of Ohio General Assembly members regarding potential outcomes for six races this fall. Ohioans will select new leadership for governor, attorney general, auditor, secretary of state, and treasurer, along with one U.S. Senate seat and two Ohio Supreme Court positions.
Senate Race Shows Tight Competition
The U.S. Senate contest between former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown and Republican Senator Jon Husted presents the closest race according to legislative predictions. Survey respondents gave Brown a 35 percent chance of victory, while 56 percent favored Husted, with 8 percent remaining undecided.
Brown seeks to reclaim his congressional seat after losing to Republican Bernie Moreno in 2024. Husted, Ohio’s former lieutenant governor, received his Senate appointment following Vice President JD Vance’s election victory last year.
Brown has returned to the campaign trail promoting affordable healthcare initiatives and worker protection policies as central themes of his candidacy.
Gubernatorial Contest Features Political Newcomers
Ohio’s gubernatorial race has attracted attention as two candidates with no prior elected experience compete for the state’s highest office. Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton secured her party’s nomination uncontested, while Republican Vivek Ramaswamy emerged victorious from his primary contest.
Both candidates advance toward November without previous experience as elected officials, setting up an unusual matchup for Ohio’s top executive position. The race has been identified as one to monitor closely as election day approaches.
Multiple Statewide Offices at Stake
Beyond the high-profile Senate and gubernatorial contests, Ohio voters will determine leadership across the state’s constitutional offices. The attorney general, auditor, secretary of state, and treasurer positions will all appear on November ballots.
Two Ohio Supreme Court seats face election, potentially affecting the court’s composition and future judicial decisions. These judicial races often receive less attention despite their significant impact on state legal precedents.
The Gongwer/Werth Legislative Survey serves as a recurring assessment tool for gathering Ohio General Assembly members’ perspectives on current policy and legislative matters, according to the survey’s documentation.
