Amy Acton defeats Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio gubernatorial election

Democrat Amy Acton secured the governorship of Ohio, according to CBS News projections, defeating Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in a contest that has drawn national attention. The race unfolded as Ohio, once a swing state, has moved increasingly toward the GOP, with President Trump having carried the state by 11 points in the 2024 presidential election. Incumbent Republican Governor Mike DeWine was ineligible for re-election due to term limits.

Acton, 60, a Youngstown native who led the state Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasized her personal background, including childhood homelessness, to frame her campaign around affordability and support for ordinary Ohioans. Ramaswamy, 41, a Cincinnati-born billionaire who previously ran for president in 2024, centered his message on efficiency and business-driven governance.

"It is time for a state house that puts Ohioans first, not special interests and corporations and billionaires," Acton said in her victory speech on Tuesday night.

"This win is for all of us. It's for all the scrappy kids who have been underestimated and overlooked or counted out. This is my promise to Ohio. No one will ever be unseen by me," she added.

Ramaswamy, who had outspent Acton with significant contributions from national Republican donors, faced criticism for a $4 million advertisement aired in October that featured Acton's estranged mother accusing her of lying. The ad sparked condemnation from Democrats and several Republicans, including Governor DeWine and Senate President Jon Husted. President Trump expressed support for the ad, while Vice President JD Vance described the backlash against it as "disgusting."

The election marks Acton's first term as governor, succeeding DeWine, and reflects Ohio's evolving political landscape amid ongoing debates over campaign tactics and personal attacks.