Ohio's First Woman Governor Elected

Amy Acton, a 60-year-old former health director, will serve as Ohio's next governor. The Associated Press called the race on Tuesday, confirming that Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. This victory makes Acton the first woman elected to the top executive office in Ohio history.

Acton's win marks the first time in 20 years that Ohio voters chose a Democrat to lead the state. She served as director of the Ohio Department of Health under outgoing Governor Mike DeWine. During the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, the two officials held joint briefings to announce lockdowns and safety measures. Acton resigned from that post in June 2020.

The campaign featured a heavy focus on Acton's public health background rather than her political experience. She advocated for a statewide child tax credit and the forgiveness of medical debt. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur backed by President Donald Trump, ran against her in a contest defined by intense negative advertising.

In late October, the Ramaswamy campaign aired an advertisement featuring Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur. In the spot, Arthur called Acton a liar. Arthur lost custody of Acton when she was 12 years old following an alleged sexual assault by her husband, Acton's stepfather. The ad drew criticism from several Republicans, including DeWine, though Trump and Ramaswamy defended the strategy.

Acton will assume office in January. She will face a state legislature with a majority of Republican members. That legislative body is expected to limit her ability to pass new laws.

Sarah Donaldson of the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau reported on the state's political developments leading up to the election.