Amy Acton defeats Ramaswamy in Ohio governor race
The gist
Former Ohio health director Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Decision Desk HQ projected at 50% to 46%.
Her win makes her the first woman elected governor in Ohio history.
How it unfolded
- Sep 27, 2026NPR reports the race pits Ramaswamy against Acton, the state's former health director, as a rare Democratic pickup opportunity.
- Oct 20, 2026A Bowling Green State University/YouGov poll showed Acton leading 50% to 44%, within the margin of error; Ramaswamy and allied groups had spent or reserved over $97 million on TV and radio, more than triple Democratic spending.
- Oct 21, 2026Ramaswamy's attack ad featuring Acton's estranged mother, who calls her a "liar," drew denunciations from Acton's campaign and her brother as a "despicable low."