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Democrat Amy Acton has defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio’s November 3 gubernatorial election, according to Associated Press projections. Her victory marks the state’s first Democratic gubernatorial win since 2006 and makes her the first woman elected governor of Ohio. Acton previously served as Ohio’s health director, while Ramaswamy campaigned on tax reductions and economic policies. The election results remain subject to official certification, with Acton scheduled to take office in January 2027.
Democrat Amy Acton has defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the Ohio governor race, according to Associated Press projections following the November 3 general election.
The victory marks the first time since 2006 that Ohio voters have elected a Democratic governor.
Acton will also become the first woman elected to the state’s highest executive office.
Ohio governor race results favor Amy Acton
The Associated Press called the race for Acton as unofficial election results showed her leading statewide.
As of November 4 at 4 a.m. Acton had received 2,350,266 votes, representing approximately 52% of the reported vote.
Ramaswamy received 2,023,379 votes, or approximately 44.7%. Libertarian candidate Don Kissick received 150,238 votes, accounting for approximately 3.3%.
Approximately 97.1% of precincts had reported when these figures were retrieved.
The results remain subject to Ohio’s official canvassing and certification process.
Also read: What Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign is promising Greater Cincinnati voters
Who is Amy Acton, Ohio’s projected governor-elect?
Acton is a physician and former director of the Ohio Department of Health.
Gov. Mike DeWine appointed her to lead the department in 2019. She became widely recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic through public health briefings alongside DeWine.
She resigned from the position in June 2020.
During her gubernatorial campaign, Acton emphasized healthcare access, affordability, education and public services. She also discussed addressing medical debt and property tax concerns.
Her election makes Ohio part of a small group of states that have elected women to their governorships.
Ramaswamy campaigned on tax cuts and economic policies
Ramaswamy, a biotechnology entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, entered the gubernatorial race with the support of President Donald Trump.
His campaign focused on economic growth, tax reductions and lowering energy costs.
One of his central proposals involved gradually eliminating Ohio’s state income tax.
Ramaswamy also criticized Acton’s record as the state’s former health director, particularly her involvement in Ohio’s COVID-19 response and pandemic-related restrictions.
The campaign received national attention following controversial advertisements criticizing Acton’s personal background and professional record. One advertisement featuring her estranged mother drew criticism from members of both political parties, including DeWine.
Election outcome changes Ohio’s executive leadership
Acton’s victory changes the party controlling Ohio’s governor’s office after years of Republican leadership.
Republicans, however, retain a majority in the Ohio legislature. The political arrangement could influence negotiations over taxation, education funding, healthcare and state spending.
The incoming administration will need legislative support to advance its policy priorities.
Acton is scheduled to take office in January 2027 for a four-year term, succeeding DeWine, who is barred from seeking another consecutive term because of Ohio’s gubernatorial term limits.
Ohio election results await official certification
Although the Associated Press has projected Acton as the winner, the reported figures are not yet the state’s final certified results.
Ohio election officials must complete the canvassing process before publishing the official totals.
The November 3 election concludes a closely watched gubernatorial campaign that attracted national attention because of the candidates’ contrasting backgrounds, policy proposals and disagreements over the state’s pandemic response.
The transition to Acton’s administration is expected to begin ahead of her January 2027 inauguration.
FAQs
How many votes did Amy Acton receive?
As of 4 a.m. of November 4, Acton received approximately 2.35 million votes, representing 52% of the reported vote.
How many votes did Vivek Ramaswamy receive?
Ramaswamy received approximately 2.02 million votes, accounting for 44.7% of the reported vote in the same update.
Is Amy Acton Ohio’s first female governor?
Acton will become the first woman elected governor of Ohio. Nancy Hollister previously served briefly as governor between 1998 and 1999 after succeeding the previous governor.
What were the main issues in the Ohio governor election?
The campaign addressed taxation, healthcare, affordability, energy costs, education and economic development. The candidates also disagreed over Acton’s record during Ohio’s COVID-19 response.
