Amy Acton becomes Ohio's first female governor after defeating Vivek Ramaswamy

Democrat Amy Acton, a former Ohio health director, was declared the winner of the state's gubernatorial race, making her the first woman to hold the office and the first Democrat to lead Ohio in twenty years. Acton defeated Republican biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who was endorsed by President Trump.

Acton, 60, highlighted her public-health experience during the campaign, promoting proposals such as a statewide child tax credit and medical-debt forgiveness. She previously served as Ohio Department of Health director under outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine, resigning in June 2020 after the early COVID-19 response.

The final weeks of the contest were marked by a controversial attack advertisement from the Ramaswamy campaign that featured Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, accusing Acton of lying. The ad drew criticism from several Republicans, including Governor DeWine, though both Trump and Ramaswamy defended its use.

Acton is set to assume office in January, facing a Republican-controlled legislature that is expected to limit the governor's authority.