Poll: Economy top issue among Ohio voters

(The Center Square) – The economy continues to be the top issue for Ohioans as the 2026 midterm and gubernatorial election moves closer.

The most recent Emerson College poll showed nearly half of all respondents said the economy is the most important issue for Ohio voters, clearly outdistancing threats to democracy, health care, housing and immigration.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a food price outlook for the rest of this year and into 2026, saying prices are rising higher than the current 3% rate of inflation.

President Donald Trump said in a nationwide address Wednesday he has brought prices down since taking office in January.

A Consumer Price Index report from the USDA showed food prices rose 0.4% from July to August and climbed 3.2% from August 2024 to August 2025.

The report said that 2026 overall food prices are expected to continue to rise, although...