A recent survey conducted by Bowling Green State University (BGSU) indicates a competitive landscape in Ohio's gubernatorial race between Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton. The poll found that Democrats have a slight edge, with 48 percent of respondents indicating support for Acton compared to 47 percent for Ramaswamy. In the specific context of the 2026 governor's race, Acton leads Ramaswamy by three percentage points, with 48 percent support for Acton and 45 percent for Ramaswamy. However, when asked who they believe will ultimately win the race, 62 percent of respondents indicated they believe Ramaswamy will prevail, while 36 percent expressed confidence in Acton.
The Senate race also appears to be closely contested, with Republican Senator Jon Husted holding a three-point lead over former Senator Sherrod Brown, garnering 48 percent support compared to Brown's 45 percent. In terms of perceived winners, 53 percent of respondents believe Husted will win the Senate race, while 45 percent believe Brown will.
The survey highlighted key issues for Ohio voters, with the economy and inflation identified as the most pressing concerns, followed by government corruption, health care, threats to democracy, and immigration. Additionally, 61 percent of Ohioans surveyed believe the country is on the wrong track, and 52 percent feel the same about Ohio. Regarding personal economic situations, 44 percent of respondents reported that their circumstances have worsened, while 39 percent indicated they have remained the same, and 17 percent stated they have improved.
The poll was conducted from September 1 to September 10, 2026, among 1,000 likely voters in Ohio, with a margin of error of +/- 4 percent, indicating that both the gubernatorial and Senate races are highly competitive. Acton has referred to Ohio as 'ground zero' in the national political landscape and has declined to debate Ramaswamy, citing concerns about his credibility. The Cook Political Report currently categorizes the Senate race as a tossup.