CNN Polls: Democrats Gain Ground in Ohio and Iowa Senate Races

Widespread dissatisfaction with the state of the country has opened up a prime Senate pickup opportunity for Democrats in Ohio and made for a razor-thin contest in Iowa, according to new CNN polls conducted by SSRS. President Donald Trump carried both states by double digits in 2024, and Republicans currently hold both US Senate seats and complete control of the state government in each of them. But in these deep-red states, likely voters now mostly disapprove of Trump’s handling of the preside In this analysis, Enten and experts unpack the latest CNN polls conducted by SSRS, which reveal surprising trends in key Senate races. Despite President Trump's double-digit victories in Ohio and Iowa in 2024, Democrats are now competitive, with widespread dissatisfaction creating a prime pickup opportunity in Ohio and a tight contest in Iowa. The polls indicate that likely voters in these traditionally red states largely disapprove of Trump's handling of the presidency. We delve into the numbers, explore the factors behind this shift, and discuss what it means for the upcoming elections. With Republicans currently holding both Senate seats and full state control in each state, these polls suggest a potential political realignment. Our panel of experts provides context and insights on these critical races.