Polling Insights

for Communicators:

August 29, 2025

Welcome to the first edition of our Innovation Ohio Research Update. We’re constantly reviewing new polls and research and wanted to start sharing what we’re seeing in a quick, usable format. In these updates, we’ll highlight the data points that matter most and offer takeaways for communicators and advocates working to reach Ohioans.

Polling Snapshot

Ohio:

  • Senate 2026: Emerson College finds Jon Husted leading Sherrod Brown 50–44 (7% undecided). Husted is stronger with men, non-college voters, and over-40s; Brown leads with women, younger voters, and independents — but those groups historically turn out at lower rates. (Emerson College)

  • Governor’s race: Vivek Ramaswamy leads Amy Acton 49–39 and Tim Ryan 49–41, showing an early GOP edge statewide. Both Acton and Ryan remain less defined compared to Ramaswamy. (Emerson College)

National:

  • Economic outlook: 60% of voters say their family income is falling behind the cost of living; only 9% say it’s rising faster (Hart/CNBC).

  • Direction of the economy: 53% say the national economy is getting worse vs. 34% better (Civiqs).

  • Mood: Anger is the dominant emotion among Democrats, independents, women, Black voters, and voters with post-graduate degrees. Republicans are more likely to feel hopeful or excited. (Civiqs)

  • Generic ballot: Democrats now lead by 4 nationally, and by 12 among unregistered voters (YouGov). In June, the same poll found Democrats favored by 3.

  • Trump approval: Recovering overall, but still underwater on foreign affairs and the economy (Gallup).

Trends to Watch

  • Name ID gaps: Jon Husted remains unknown to many Ohioans, and even high-profile Republicans like Vivek Ramaswamy are not firmly defined. By contrast, Sherrod Brown is well known but polarizing, while Amy Acton is also still building recognition. There’s a small window of opportunity for communicators to highlight the everyday concerns these leaders speak to, and to define Husted and Ramaswamy before their campaigns or outside groups do so.

  • Persistent cost concerns: With majorities saying they’re falling behind, messages must connect policies to pocketbook realities (grocery prices, health care, housing).

  • Emotions matter: Anger is the top emotion among Democratic and independent audiences. Acknowledging frustration and channeling it into action makes messages more relatable.

  • Unregistered/unreliable voters: Democrats hold an edge among unregistered audiences. Messengers should link civic participation to real-life stakes to bring these groups into the process.

Key Takeaways for Communicators

  • Frame early, frame often: Some leaders are well known but polarizing, while others are still largely undefined. That means the first stories people hear about them may stick. Communicators should set the tone early with clear, values-based storytelling, so voters connect what’s happening to their own lives before opponents fill the void.

  • Lead with affordability: Voters say they’re falling behind. Name the villain and connect policies directly to daily costs like groceries, health care, and housing.

  • Harness anger constructively: Validate frustration, then channel it into action.

    • Name the villain (rigged maps, self-serving politicians, corporate greed)

    • Offer an outlet: organizing, contacting lawmakers, showing up at hearings, etc.

    • Always pair outrage with the next step so people don’t retreat into hopelessness.

  • Meet independents where they are: Avoid partisan shorthand and use plain-language, story-driven examples of how policies affect real communities (e.g., schools, jobs, local hospitals). Invite them into the conversation without assuming party loyalty.

  • Mobilize the unregistered and less engaged: These groups lean more progressive but are skeptical about politics. Speak to shared values (fairness, opportunity, accountability) and give them simple, concrete ways to plug in that feel empowering rather than overwhelming.

Questions or feedback? Contact Terra Goodnight at goodnight@innovationohio.org