JD Vance Attacks Amy Acton, Sherrod Brown as GOP Hold on Ohio Could Slip

Vice President JD Vance criticized Democrats Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown during a rally in Lima, Ohio, as Republicans Vivek Ramaswamy and Jon Husted face competitive races in the 2026 midterm elections. Ohio has become a more contested state, despite President Trump winning it in all three of his presidential runs. Polls suggest close races in the gubernatorial and Senate contests, putting Republicans on the defensive in a state that has grown more conservative over the past decade.

Democrats hope President Trump's decreasing popularity can help them recapture voters in Ohio, particularly due to economic and cost-of-living grievances. Acton and Ramaswamy are contending in the gubernatorial race, while Husted is facing former Senator Brown in a special election to fill the remainder of Vance's 2022 term. Republicans are using Trump and Vance to energize the base and prevent losses.

Vance disparaged Acton, saying she wanted to mask children and prevent them from attending school, and claimed he would meet her at a bar later. He also mocked Brown, stating she is not the Democratic Party's former self. Acton denied alcohol and drug abuse allegations, with her campaign stating she had only one glass of wine. Brown's campaign responded to Vance's comments, accusing Husted of supporting war in Iran, approving tax deals for data centers, and cutting health care for 500,000 Ohioans.

Polls indicate Ohio is a battleground state for the 2026 midterms, with both the Senate and gubernatorial races being toss-ups. Trump won Ohio by 11 points in his most recent presidential election, but the state also supported former President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. Democrats aim to flip four Senate seats to gain a majority, and Ohio is one of the states they hope to win.