Amy Acton Topples Ramaswamy in Ohio Governor’s Race

Vivek Ramaswamy’s call to concede went to voicemail. The Republican candidate said he left Democrat Amy Acton a message after losing Ohio’s governor’s race, then called it a tough night. With 95 percent of votes counted, the former Ohio health director led by 51.9 percent to 44.8 percent, according to The Associated Press. Libertarian Donald Kissick had 3.3 percent. Acton’s win makes her Ohio’s first elected woman governor and returns the office to Democrats for the first time in 20 years. ¹

The 20-year break from Democratic control followed a bruising campaign. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, promised to phase out Ohio’s income tax and lower energy bills. Acton focused on healthcare access and the rising cost of living. In the campaign’s final weeks, Ramaswamy aired an ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother, who called her a liar about her childhood. Acton was removed from her mother’s care at 12 after her stepfather was indicted for raping her. The ad drew criticism from both parties and was eventually pulled. ^1,6

That ad became a defining test of a race shaped by money and national politics. Ramaswamy had endorsements from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. His campaign and allies spent more than $100 million against Acton, according to reports cited by NBC News. Yet voters chose Acton, who spoke about affordability and her own difficult childhood. Her win comes in a state Trump carried by 11 points in 2024. She will govern alongside a Republican-controlled legislature, setting up possible disputes over taxes, schools and data centers. ^10,14,6

The Republican-led legislature is now part of the work ahead. In her victory speech, Acton promised to be governor for all Ohioans and said she would work with lawmakers from both parties. She also promised to focus on people struggling with grocery, fuel and utility costs. Acton will succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine. Ramaswamy said he hoped her leadership could bring Ohio together. ^4,1