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Politics · November 3, 2026

Acton defeats Ramaswamy in Ohio governor's race

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Democrat Dr. Amy Acton won the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and flipping the seat for the first time in two decades. Acton, a former state health director under incumbent Republican Governor Mike DeWine, focused her campaign on affordability, child tax credits, and medical debt forgiveness. Ramaswamy, a pharmaceutical entrepreneur and former presidential candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump, ran a highly contentious campaign that drew national attention for its personal attacks. Acton’s victory marks several historic firsts for Ohio, as she becomes the first woman and first Jewish person elected to lead the state. While Democrats saw successes in statewide races across the country, Acton is expected to face a Republican-controlled state legislature.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the 2026 Ohio governor's race.
  • Acton previously served as Ohio's health director under Governor Mike DeWine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • This victory marks the first time a Democrat has been elected governor of Ohio since 2006.
  • Ramaswamy is a billionaire entrepreneur who previously ran for president in 2024.
  • Acton focused her campaign on affordability and economic issues.
  • Ramaswamy was endorsed by President Donald Trump.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ called the race for Acton.
  • Acton is the first woman elected as governor of Ohio.
  • Acton is the first Jewish governor of Ohio.
  • One source reports Acton won with 50.7 percent of the vote.
  • Ramaswamy's campaign included an ad featuring Acton's estranged mother, which was widely criticized.
  • Governor Mike DeWine was unable to run due to term limits.
  • Byron Donalds won the Florida governor's race, becoming the state's first Black governor.
  • Gina Hinojosa defeated Greg Abbott to become the first Latina governor of Texas.
  • Ken Paxton lost his bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas.

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