Two states Trump carried by double digits are now in play for the Democrats, CNN polls show

New CNN polling by SSRS suggests Democrats have openings in two Republican strongholds, Ohio and Iowa, even though Donald Trump won each by double digits in 2024. Voters in both states are largely unhappy with the president, blame his policies for higher living costs, and view tariffs as hurting their states. Roughly four in 10 say they are worse off financially than two years ago, and about half name the economy their top concern.

In Ohio's Senate race, former Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, leads Jon Husted, the Republican appointed to JD Vance's old seat, by 6 points among likely voters. Brown is better known and liked, and Husted's backers are more motivated by opposing Brown than supporting Husted. Trump's approval stands at 36% there.

Iowa is tighter. Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson has 45% to Democrat Josh Turek's 43%, and almost three in ten voters remain undecided. Trump's approval is 41% in Iowa, and likely voters there favor Republican Senate control, 53% to 46%. Turek is less familiar to voters, and more call him too liberal than call Hinson too conservative.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN →