Democrats flipped their second governorship Tuesday night as Amy Acton won Ohio’s gubernatorial election Tuesday, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in a major political upset that ended 16 years of Republican control of the governor’s mansion.
Earlier Tuesday, Democrats wrestled control of the Georgia governorship from Republicans as Keisha Lance Bottom became the nation’s first Black female governor.
Ms. Acton, the former state health director, became the first woman elected governor in Ohio history, delivering Democrats a significant victory in a state that has increasingly shifted toward Republicans. President Trump carried Ohio by more than 11 percentage points in the 2024 election.
People were interested in these podcasts
Ms. Acton rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a familiar face alongside Republican Gov. Mike DeWine during the state’s daily public health briefings. She campaigned on lowering costs for working families, expanding access to health care and child care, and protecting abortion rights.
Mr. Ramaswamy, who briefly served in Mr. Trump’s government-efficiency initiative, emphasized economic growth, tax cuts and reducing government regulations.
The contest grew increasingly contentious in its final weeks, particularly after Mr. Ramaswamy’s campaign aired an advertisement featuring Ms. Acton’s estranged mother. The ad drew criticism from both parties, including by Mr. DeWine, a Republican, who had endorsed Mr. Ramaswamy.
Ms. Acton’s victory gives Democrats control of a key Midwestern governorship and strengthens the party’s position ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Her win was particularly noteworthy because Mr. Trump carried Ohio by more than 11 percentage points in the 2024 election.
Republicans had controlled the governor’s office since 2011, and the state had not elected a Democrat to the position since Ted Strickland’s victory in 2006. Her win came despite Mr. Trump’s endorsement of Mr. Ramaswamy, a wealthy biotechnology entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.