Dr. Amy Acton has been elected governor of Ohio, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in a closely watched race. Acton's victory marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, as she is the first Democrat to hold the governorship in two decades. This outcome represents a notable setback for Republicans in a state that President Biden carried with a double-digit margin in 2024.
The race, which became an open contest due to term limits for current Republican Governor Mike DeWine, intensified in the weeks leading up to Election Day. Initially rated as "Lean Republican" by the Cook Political Report, the contest was later adjusted to a "Toss Up" before shifting slightly in Democrats' favor to "Lean Democrat."
This shift was partly attributed by the Cook Political Report to an attack ad released by Ramaswamy's campaign in October. The ad featured Acton's estranged mother and referenced Acton's childhood sexual abuse. The ad drew widespread criticism across the political spectrum. Acton's brother, Philip Stearns, called the ad "a despicable low" and "a desperate, disgusting attack."
Governor DeWine described the ad as "deeply, deeply troubling" and "just plain wrong," urging Ramaswamy's campaign to withdraw it, though he maintained his endorsement of Ramaswamy and the Republican ticket. Ramaswamy, who previously sought the Republican presidential nomination, doubled down on the ad. Both former President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance defended Ramaswamy following the backlash.