Economic Strains Put Midwest Midterms in Play

Rising costs, tariff-related pressures on farmers and manufacturers, and dissatisfaction with the effects of President Donald Trump’s policies are putting Republican support under strain across the Midwest, with Iowa and Ohio among states where Democrats see new opportunities. Ohio is drawing particular attention, with competitive races for governor and the Senate and campaigns seeking to win over rural voters who have traditionally favored Republicans. Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown and Republican nominee Jon Husted are both reaching out to rural communities, where concerns include fuel prices, tariffs and the war in Iran. Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, meanwhile, is campaigning on lower costs, bigger paychecks and other priorities, as some Ohio voters say affordability is their chief concern.