Republican J.D. Vance has expanded his lead over Democrat Tim Ryan in the Ohio senate race, according to new polling.
This is a relief for the right, because Ohio is a must-win state for Republicans if they’re going to retake the senate.
Vance has worked hard for this and did well in the debates. He also connects well with voters, which doesn’t hurt.
Ohio 2022: Vance Extends Lead Over Ryan for US Senate
The final Emerson College Polling survey of the Ohio Midterm Elections finds 51% of voters support Republican JD Vance for US Senate, while 43% support Democrat Tim Ryan. Four percent are undecided. With undecided voters’ support accounted for, Vance’s support increases to 53% and Ryan to 44%. Since the October Ohio poll, Vance has gained five percentage points and Ryan has lost two. Regardless of whom they support, 56% expect Vance to win while 44% expect Ryan to be elected.
Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling, said: “In mid-October, men were breaking for Vance by 13 points and women for Ryan by ten points. In the past few weeks, Vance has expanded his lead among men to 18 points over Ryan, leading 57% to 39%, and Ryan’s lead among women has diminished to one point, leading 47% to 46%.”
In the gubernatorial election, 55% plan to support incumbent Republican Mike DeWine, while 34% support Nan Whaley. Seven percent are undecided. Since October’s poll, DeWine has gained five percentage points, from 50% to 55%, while Whaley has lost two points, from 36% to 34%.
The economy is the most important issue in determining the vote of 47% of respondents, followed by “threats to democracy” (14%), abortion access (12%), healthcare (8%), and immigration (6%).
Even some Democrats are supporting Vance.
All signs point to a win here for Republicans.
Cross posted from American Lookout.