From BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
The Democracy and Public Policy Network in the Department of Political Science at Bowling Green State University has released the results of its fifth poll, conducted from Oct. 2-14, 2025, with insight from 800 registered Ohio voters.
Topics covered in the October poll included:
- The president’s approval rating
- Ohio governor and senate races
- Sentiment on the state of democracy, the economy, ICE, and other policies
The nonpartisan poll has a margin of error of +/- 4.5%, and the weighted sample reflects +10 margin for President Trump in the 2024 presidential race.
President Trump’s approval continues to slip among Ohio voters
“Although Donald Trump has enjoyed great electoral success in Ohio, we find that his favorability has declined steadily in the first year of his second term. Many of his policies are not especially popular and his favorability has dropped 9 points from February to October, where he is now at a -10 favorability rating,” said Robert Alexander, professor of political science at BGSU.
Ohioans could be in for competitive races for Ohio governor and the U.S. Senate
Alexander said, “Democrats are likely to be encouraged by these numbers. They look to be competitive in both the governor’s race and the U.S. Senate race. We are likely to see a great deal of attention in the coming year to see if a state that has become reliably red still has a shade of purple left in it. With that said, the state remains a heavy lift for Democrats given recent election outcomes.”
Ohio voters find democracy worse and economy better
“Despite a sense of improved economic fortunes, Ohio voters are increasingly worried about U.S. democracy. The economy and democracy remain two clear undercurrents in Ohio voter opinion, and right now they appear to be flowing in different directions,” stated Melissa K. Miller, professor of political science at BGSU.
Concerns registered about civil liberties and ICE activities
Miller said, “The Trump administration’s immigration and law enforcement policies have driven a stake between the Democrats and Republicans. Virtually all Democrats are opposed while all Republicans are in favor. The differences are truly eye-popping.”
Points of partisan agreement when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein case
Alexander stated, “While there are few things Democrats and Republicans tend to agree on, there is widespread agreement that powerful elites are likely being protected in the Epstein files and that the truth will likely never be known.”
Ohio voters see political violence as a major problem
Alexander continued, “It is clear that most Ohioans are concerned about the threat of political violence in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination. This coincides with widespread concerns about political polarization and threats to civil liberties.”
Full October poll results include:
For the poll, YouGov, an international online research data and analytics technology group, gathered public opinion data through questions sent in online surveys, emails, and text messages.
A four-person research team in the BGSU Department of Political Science developed, ordered, tested, and analyzed the questions in the poll.
For more information, visit BGSU.edu/depo.
