A Fox News survey conducted in late May found former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown leading Republican Jon Husted by eight points in Ohio’s 2024 Senate race, defying the state’s recent rightward shift. The poll surveyed registered Ohio voters between May 28 and June 1, showing Brown ahead 53% to 45%, with just 2% undecided. Husted was appointed to fill the remainder of Vice President J.D. Vance’s term after Gov. Mike DeWine selected him from his lieutenant governor position. DeWine defended his selection in a statement, saying “I have worked with him, I know he is knowledgeable, I know his heart, I know what he cares about, and I know his skills.” The governor emphasized that Husted’s experience and proximity to state leadership made him the best choice for the Senate seat.
The result startled political observers given Ohio’s recent voting patterns. President Donald Trump won the state by more than eight points in 2016, repeated the victory in 2020, and expanded his margin to over 11 points against Kamala Harris in 2024. Brown, who served in the Senate from 2007 until losing to Bernie Moreno in 2024, appears to be mounting a political comeback. His eight-point lead in the Fox survey stands in sharp contrast to the state’s presidential-level trends.
Brown’s Crossover Appeal
The poll showed Brown’s support crossing demographic lines. He led among both men and women and tied Husted 49% to 49% among white voters, while performing exceptionally well with independents and non-white voters. Brown led independents 53% to 35% and moderates 60% to 37%, according to the survey. The former senator also demonstrated crossover appeal, receiving support from 13% of Republicans and 31% of non-MAGA Republicans. Brown maintained strong Democratic backing, with 98% of party members supporting him in the survey.
Democratic voter enthusiasm also exceeded Republican enthusiasm, with 82% of Democrats saying they were extremely or very motivated to vote compared with 76% of Republicans. Brown’s favorability rating stood at 53% positive versus 44% negative. Husted posted a 41% favorable rating and 50% unfavorable rating, numbers nearly matching Trump’s Ohio standing of 42% favorable and 57% unfavorable.
Poll Draws Criticism
The survey found voters more concerned about Husted’s alignment with Trump than about Brown being too liberal. Inflation and high prices topped voter concerns at 43%, followed by healthcare at 12% and immigration at 11%. The poll’s findings quickly generated criticism on social media. One X user commented, “If you think Ohio is shifting 12 points to the left then I have a bridge to sell you,” questioning whether the state could swing so dramatically leftward.
Observers also criticized Fox News’ polling methodology. Another commenter wrote, “Fox is an atrocious state level pollster and this poll is no exception,” expressing skepticism about the survey’s credibility. Some questioned how a Democratic Senate candidate could outperform state Republican performance. One social media user wrote, “Close governor’s race but Senate race by likely Dem margins?” suggesting the results conflicted with broader state political trends. This story has been updated. CNN’s Political Team contributed to this report.
