Tariffs on the ballot: Trump-era trade policy tests swing Senate races

Trump’s tariff approach—lauded by allies as a tool to bolster domestic industry—remains a flashpoint in major Senate contests (Maine, Ohio, Michigan and Alaska), where candidates frame tariffs as rising costs for local industries and for cross-border trade with Canada. In Maine, Collins promotes a Canada-friendly stance while opponents argue tariffs hurt voters; in Ohio, Brown and Husted navigate Canada-related trade tensions amid broader tariff criticism, with Democrats highlighting cost increases as they campaign. The policy’s resonance with voters could influence midterm outcomes as Republicans defend control and Democrats weaponize tariff costs in ads and debates.