By Salma El-Sakka
Democrat Amy Acton has won the Ohio gubernatorial election, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to become the first woman elected governor of the state and the first Democrat to hold the office since 2006.
Contentious campaign marked by attack ad
The race intensified last month when Ramaswamy aired a $4 million advertisement featuring Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who accused her daughter of lying about her upbringing. Arthur lost custody of Acton after the indictment of Acton’s stepfather for allegedly raping her at age 12. The ad drew bipartisan condemnation, including from outgoing Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who called it “deeply, deeply troubling.”
Acton declines concession call
As results came in on Tuesday night, Ramaswamy called to concede but Acton let the call go to voicemail. Ramaswamy confirmed the unanswered call during his election night address, saying, “We left her a message. It’s a tough night for us here in Ohio.”
Victory speech emphasizes unity
In her victory speech, Acton reflected on her childhood abuse and homelessness, framing the win as a turning point for Ohio. “Ohio has chosen unity and decency over division and hate; the healing begins today,” she told supporters. Acton pledged to govern across party lines despite a campaign that featured no face-to-face debates.
Election results and broader context
With 95 percent of the vote counted, Acton secured 51.9 percent to Ramaswamy’s 44.8 percent, while Libertarian Donald Kissick received 3.3 percent. The victory coincided with broader Democratic gains in the midterm elections, including flipped Senate seats in Texas, Kansas, North Carolina and South Carolina. Acton succeeds DeWine, having previously served as his health director during the early Covid-19 pandemic.
