Survey of Ohio lawmakers reveals Statehouse’s predictions for the 2026 midterms | The Highland County Press

highlandcountypress.com · September 7, 2026

Labor Day Opinions Jim Thompson 7 September 2026

Headlines 6 June 2026

# Survey of Ohio lawmakers reveals Statehouse’s predictions for the 2026 midterms

Reilly Ackermann, Ohio Capital Journal, https://ohiocapitaljournal.com

As election season kicks into full swing, a new poll of Ohio lawmakers shows an insider look at their predictions for the outcomes of the November midterm elections in Ohio.

In November, Ohioans will vote for a new governor, attorney general, auditor, secretary of state, and treasurer, as well as one U.S. Senate race, and two Ohio Supreme Court races.

The Gongwer/Werth Legislative Survey is a recurring survey put out to members of the Ohio General Legislative Assembly to gather lawmakers’ views on current policy and legislative issues, according to the survey’s website.

For its most recent addition, the survey collected responses from 35% of Ohio legislators on the potential outcomes of six critical midterm elections.

#### Key Ohio U.S. Senate race

As former Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown tries to regain his congressional seat following a 2024 loss to Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, the odds are split on if Ohioans will ride the blue wave this November.

Legislative respondents said there was a 35% chance Brown wins the race, with 8% being undecided and 56% choosing Republican candidate U.S. Sen. Jon Husted.

Husted, former lieutenant governor of Ohio, was appointed to his Senate seat following Vice President JD Vance’s election in 2024.

Brown has reentered the campaign trail running on a platform of affordable healthcare and worker protections.

#### Ohio governor race

Ohio’s race for the top desk has already been singled out as one to watch as November draws closer.

With Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton winning her primary uncontested and Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy running away with his own, both candidates move towards Election day with no prior experience as elected officials.

Legislative respondents said Ramaswamy has a 64% chance of winning, giving Acton 29% with 7% of respondents being undecided.

Notably, no Democratic respondents chose Ramaswamy, while 6% of Republican candidates said Acton would win.

Acton and Ramaswamy are already curating a record-breaking expensive election.

Ramaswamy is running primarily on a platform of cutting taxes, reducing government waste, and advocating for more energy independence, according to his website.

Acton’s platform includes creating more affordability in housing and healthcare, improving public education, and supporting small businesses, according to her website.

#### Ohio congressional races

The U.S. Congressional race in Ohio’s 9th district has also been highly watched, with current Ohio Democratic U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur facing off against former Ohio state Rep. Derek Merrin in a rematch, this time with the district’s lines drawn more to favor Republicans after Merrin lost by just a little over 1% in 2024.

Kaptur has represented the district since 1983, making her the longest-serving woman in congressional history.

Polled legislators have predicted another tight race for the pair. The survey said 52% of legislators chose Kaptur to retain her position, with 43% choosing Merrin to win, and 5% being undecided.

Kaptur’s platform emphasizes her priority to strengthen the economy and expand border security, according to her website.

Merrin’s platform includes lowering income and property taxes, reducing health regulations for patients, and promoting price transparency, according to his website.

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Ohio News

September 2026