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. senator and two Ohio Supreme Court justices.

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

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

U.S. Senate race

Former Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is attempting to regain a seat following a 2024 loss to Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno.

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

Husted, former lieutenant governor of Ohio, was appointed to the 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, former state health director, winning her primary uncontested and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy running away with his own, both candidates move toward 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 undecided.

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

Acton and Ramaswamy are already engaged in 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 incumbent Democratic 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.

Original story can be found at https://ohiocapitaljournal.com