Democrat Amy Acton beats Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio governor’s race

What the report says

Democrat Amy Acton has won Ohio’s governorship, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in a closely watched race that drew national attention, according to Al Jazeera. The election was held during the 2026 US midterms, and the result ends Republican control of the office by electing a Democrat to the post for the first time since 2006.

Al Jazeera reported that Acton, a physician who previously served as outgoing Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s top health official, campaigned under intense scrutiny over her handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. The contest became especially bitter in its final weeks, with campaign spending surpassing $100 million, a figure highlighted by the outlet as evidence of the race’s scale and importance.

The article also said Ramaswamy faced backlash over a television ad involving Acton’s estranged mother. He took responsibility for the ad and kept it on the air despite criticism. The spot accused Acton of lying about her childhood and suggested mental illness, while omitting details Al Jazeera noted about her being removed from her mother’s custody at age 12 after her stepfather was charged with raping her.

Acton’s victory is notable not only because it flips the governorship, but also because she becomes the first woman ever elected governor of Ohio.