Republican Ohio Governor John Kasich is skeptical about the extent of the blue wave some political pundits have projected this November.
Kasich says he thinks Democrats will win enough votes nationally to flip 23 seats and take over the U.S. House of Representatives. He points to a special congressional election in Central Ohio as proof.
“I mean you look at the race here, the race in the 12th District, and it was so close and so it’s likely that’s going to happen," Kasich says. "But I don’t know if there’s likely to be this big wave."
The 12th District election is pitting Democrat Danny O'Connor once again against Republican Rep. Troy Balderson, who won the seat by less than 1 percent in an August special election.
Governor spokesperson Chris Schrimpf later clarified that Kasich believes Balderson will win the 12th district election.
But Kasich says he doubts Democrats will be able to overtake the U.S. Senate, where Republicans hold a two seat advantage. Kasich didn’t comment on statewide races, including the one to replace him. Democrat Richard Cordray and Republican Mike DeWine are basically tied in that contest.
Updated October 29: Added statement from Kasich spokesperson.
