Key facts
- President Donald Trump campaigned in Ohio on Saturday to support Republican Senator Jon Husted.
- Husted faces a tight race against Democrat Sherrod Brown for a US Senate seat.
- Ohio gasoline prices have risen 35% in the past year to $4.16 per gallon.
- Canadian tariffs affect about $3 billion of Ohio exports, based on 2025 figures.
President Donald Trump traveled to Ohio on Saturday for a rally aimed at bolstering Republican Senator Jon Husted in a closely contested race against Democrat Sherrod Brown. The visit is part of Trump's broader effort to support Republicans in retaining their narrow congressional majority amid economic headwinds and persistent inflation.
Multiple incumbent Republican senators nationwide are facing challenging re-election campaigns, with Trump's popularity reportedly declining in recent months. This coincides with sustained high prices for gasoline and other essential goods. Senator Husted expressed hope that Trump's presence would motivate his supporters to participate in the midterm elections.
Despite Trump securing over 55% of Ohio's vote in the 2024 presidential election, economic concerns have become more prominent. Average gasoline prices in Ohio have increased 35% over the past year to $4.16 per gallon, according to AAA. Furthermore, Trump's trade policies have led to retaliatory Canadian tariffs impacting approximately $3 billion worth of Ohio exports, based on 2025 figures cited by a CBC report.
Trump has committed to campaigning for 32 days leading up to the midterm elections. He recently visited conservative regions in Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama, receiving a positive reception. On Thursday, Trump told workers at a Texas truck plant that current high prices are not his fault and that he needs to better highlight the nation's economic progress.
Ohio is among eight US Senate races considered competitive, with the state becoming a focal point for campaign efforts addressing issues such as data center construction and cultural topics like youth transgender surgeries. Outside political groups have invested tens of millions of dollars in Ohio, making the Husted-Brown race the second-most expensive Senate contest nationally, according to Federal Election Commission filings.