Amy Acton Wins Ohio Gubernatorial

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. - Democrat, Dr. Amy Acton, secured victory in the Ohio gubernatorial race, becoming the first woman elected to the state's highest office. Acton's win on November 3, 2026, means Statehouse Republicans will now face negotiations with a Democratic governor.

Acton defeated Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in the contest for Ohio governor. She carried 15 of Ohio's 88 counties, including six with at least 60% of the vote: Cuyahoga (72.3%), Franklin (71.9%), Athens (65.4%), Hamilton (63.1%), Lucas (62.9%), and Summit (61.4%). The race intensified in its final weeks following a Republican advertisement that featured Acton's mother.

Previously, Dr. Amy Acton served as the director of the Ohio Department of Health, where she led the state's COVID-19 pandemic response from 2019 to 2020. Her background in public health informed her campaign platform.

Following her projected win, Governor-elect Acton paused her victory speech to assist someone in the crowd. Ramaswamy addressed his supporters after acknowledging his defeat in the Ohio governor's race.