Amy Acton Wins Ohio Governorship as First Woman Elected

Ohio voters have elected Democrat Amy Acton as their next governor, making her the first woman to win the state's governorship. The Associated Press called the race on November 3, 2026, after Acton defeated Republican biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a candidate backed by President Donald Trump. Acton's victory also ends a two-decade stretch without a Democrat leading Ohio.

She will take office in January, succeeding Republican Gov. Mike DeWine. The campaign became increasingly contentious during its final weeks, drawing national attention over personal attacks and a controversial advertisement released by Ramaswamy's campaign.

The advertisement also generated criticism from several Republicans.

Acton, 60, previously served as director of the Ohio Department of Health after DeWine appointed her early in his first term. Their professional partnership became particularly visible during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During that period, Acton and DeWine regularly appeared together at public briefings, announcing lockdown measures and encouraging residents to follow public health precautions. Acton resigned from the position in June 2020. Throughout her gubernatorial campaign, Acton emphasized her public health experience rather than a background in electoral politics. Her policy proposals included establishing a statewide child tax credit and providing medical debt forgiveness.

In late October, Ramaswamy's campaign released a television advertisement featuring Donna Arthur, Acton's estranged mother, who described her daughter as a "liar." The advertisement quickly attracted national attention and criticism. Arthur had lost custody of Acton when she was 12 following allegations that Arthur's husband, Acton's stepfather, had sexually assaulted the child. The campaign's decision to feature Arthur in the advertisement prompted objections from Republicans, including DeWine.

Despite the criticism, Trump and Ramaswamy defended the advertisement. The controversy became a prominent feature of the closing weeks of the gubernatorial contest. Acton's election comes after Ohio Democrats experienced difficult statewide election cycles in recent years. Her administration will face a Republican-majority legislature when she assumes office in January, a political arrangement expected to substantially restrict her governing authority.