New polling data released indicates that a majority of Ohio voters reject political attacks against the trans community and demand that politicians focus instead on the rising cost of living and the availability of jobs.
GLAAD, the national LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization, and Equality Ohio released results from a new poll on Monday. The survey was conducted between March 16 and April 2, 2026, in partnership with consumer research firm MRI-Simmons.
Nearly 1,200 Ohioans participated in the survey.
Among the results of the poll:
- Ohio registered voters are 5x more likely to say affordability/inflation is a top concern compared to transgender issues.
- Nearly 2 in 3 voters in Ohio (64%) believe politicians are often using transgender issues as a distraction from other, more important priorities.
- 73% of voters in Ohio would be more likely to vote for a candidate in the midterms who says: “As Americans, we all deserve the freedom to live our lives without fear of discrimination, and no politician should have the power to take that freedom away.”
Dwayne Steward, executive director of Equality Ohio, said that the poll results confirmed that “manufactured fear about transgender Ohioans doesn’t work.”
“Lived and legal equality isn’t a partisan value,” Steward said in a statement. “It’s a human one. Equality Ohio’s roadmap back to equality is grounded in that majority belief, and we will keep working until it is reflected in our laws.”
Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD, said that the poll numbers confirm what most Americans already believe: that the nation is at its best when friends, family and neighbors are treated with basic dignity and respect.”
“Voters are tired of divisive culture wars that distract from the real issues keeping families up at night like the skyrocketing costs of housing, fuel, healthcare, and groceries,” Ellis said in a statement.
Ellis also highlighted that “true leadership” would be focusing on economic prosperity and fairness for everyone.
“This Pride season, let’s recommit to the core values of freedom and community, and call on elected leaders and companies to focus on the practical solutions that actually move our country forward,” she said. 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- To read the results of this new poll from GLAAD, click here.
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