What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy
IO Survey Finds Ohio Voters Reject House Republicans’ Budget Plan
As President Trump’s Project 2025 agenda pushes forward, House Republicans have advanced a budget framework that proposes deep cuts to popular programs millions of Americans rely on. These cuts target healthcare programs like Medicaid, critical preschool and childcare services, and services for seniors. All of this is being done to fund massive tax breaks for the billionaires and corporations that helped him get elected.
Ohio’s congressional delegation voted along party lines on the proposal, with all Republican members voting in favor of the budget cuts. According to original survey research conducted by Innovation Ohio, Ohio voters disagree with them.
Our survey of 394 Ohio registered voters, conducted from February 26 to March 1, 2025 on the GrowProgress platform, reveals that Ohioans overwhelmingly reject the House Republicans’ budget, which includes cuts to essential services such as Medicaid, food assistance, and senior services. When asked for their views on the budget plan, 49% of respondents were opposed, compared to just 21% who support the plan.
Opposition to the budget is widespread across all demographic groups. Support is highest among Trump voters, less than a third of whom (32%) support the GOP budget plan. Majorities of non-voters, independents, Democrats, Black voters, women and voters age 35-54 oppose the budget plan.
The GOP’s proposed budget could have significant consequences for Congressional re-election campaigns. When asked how they would react if their member of Congress voted in favor of the budget, which includes cuts to social programs and tax cuts for the wealthy, 48% of Ohio voters said it would make them less likely to support that candidate for re-election in 2026.
The findings suggest there is strong opposition to this budget, and voters are signaling that they will hold members of Congress accountable at the polls.
The takeaway from our research is clear: Ohio voters are rejecting the GOP’s proposal to fund tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of vital public services. With widespread opposition to the proposed cuts, lawmakers supporting this plan may face significant political consequences come 2026.
As budget talks continue, it is essential for members of Congress to listen to the concerns of voters who are already making it clear that they value the social programs that help millions of Americans. Ohio voters are sending a strong message: don’t cut the programs people rely on for the benefit of the wealthy.