(The Center Square) – A new poll from Bowling Green State University shows Ohio shifting left as President Donald Trump’s low approval ratings cast a shadow over the Republican Party.
The numbers are derived from a sampling of 1,000 registered Ohio voters reflect a nationwide shift with concerns ranging from pocketbook issues like the economy to existential questions about democracy and executive power.
“While Donald Trump has won the state handily three times, we see a lot of trouble brewing for him and his policies in the state,” said Robert Handler, professor of political science BGSU. “He has had a negative approval rating for a year now, and many of his policies are not popular. That about 15% of his voters now regret their vote to some degree suggests his grip on the state is not absolute.”
The poll showed some movement in the president’s approval rating, from -10 in October to -6 in April.
The disapproval was largely carried by feelings about the economy, about which 56% of respondents say has gotten worse over the past year. That same number said they oppose Trump’s tariffs.
Of the war in Iran, 67% of respondents opposed the deployment of ground troops to the nation. A smaller majority, 53% were against the entire campaign.
The majority, 63%, said they did not think the country’s foundational system of checks and balances was working to maintain accountability for the federal government. When it came to the question of democracy working overall in the nation, 54% were dissatisfied.
Brown said that “every sign” points to close races for the governor’s office as well as the U.S. Senate.
Ahead of the primaries, however, polling about a potential general election between Republican gubernatorial contender Vivek Ramaswamy and Democratic candidate Amy Acton still shows Ramaswamy with a 1-point lead. Meanwhile Republican Jon Husted is maintaining a 3-point lead over Democrat Sherrod Brown for Senate.
When it comes to property tax, the pollsters determined context is key.
On first ask, the majority of respondents said they would opt for a reduction in or elimination of property taxes. The issue is being pushed by a grassroots movement, Ax Ohio Tax, that believes the legislature has failed to properly allocate taxpayer funding.
After they were given explanations of what their property taxes funded – which includes essential functions like emergency medical services and public education – however, that number dropped by 13%. To that end, polling showed overwhelming support for local government services like parks, libraries, police, public health, and disability assistance.
Groups opposing the elimination of property tax have advocated for more measured reform.
“Property taxes make up nearly two-thirds of all local funding in Ohio,” said the group Ohioans to Protect Public Services. “Eliminating them altogether with no plan for what comes next is just reckless.”
