Amy Acton defeats Vivek Ramaswamy to become Ohio's first elected female governor

Democrat Amy Acton secured victory in Ohio's gubernatorial election, defeating Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, according to NBC News projections. At 60, Acton becomes the first woman elected governor of Ohio and the first Democrat to win the office since Ted Strickland's term ended in 2006. She will succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine, under whom she served as health director during the early COVID-19 response.

Acton addressed supporters in Columbus, saying, "Because of your hard work, Ohio has chosen unity and decency over division and hate. The healing begins today. I will be a governor for all Ohioans. I am in this fight for all of us."

Ramaswamy, 41, acknowledged the campaign's difficulty, stating, "It was a tough race. It was bitter at times, in both directions," and expressed hope that Acton could bring the state together.

The contest grew increasingly contentious in its final weeks. Ramaswamy's campaign aired a $4 million advertisement featuring Acton's estranged mother, who accused Acton of lying and urged voters not to support her. The ad drew bipartisan criticism for exploiting a personal family dispute. Acton, who has not spoken with her mother in nearly five decades and has previously alleged abuse by her mother's former husband, called the tactic an exploitation of her childhood.

Ramaswamy, who pledged to cut property taxes and eliminate the state income tax, invested personal funds and received support from a super PAC that raised contributions from prominent donors. He also faced scrutiny for using a private jet during the campaign, a point highlighted by Acton's team.

Both candidates had no prior elected experience. Ramaswamy previously sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, while Acton's public profile rose from her role as state health director during the pandemic, a position that Republicans frequently targeted for criticism.

The race also featured a 2019 domestic-dispute incident involving Acton, which her campaign described as a verbal argument with her husband. Republicans emphasized police reports suggesting alcohol and medication use, while Acton's team denied intoxication and said the medication was a regular prescription.

President Donald Trump traveled to Ohio to support Ramaswamy, noting their brief competition in the 2024 presidential primary.