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Democrat Amy Acton wins Ohio’s race for governor
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Democrat Amy Acton has won the Ohio governor's race, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, marking the first Democratic victory for the position since 2006 and the first woman elected governor of Ohio.
- The campaign was notably hostile, highlighted by a controversial $4 million attack ad from Ramaswamy’s team featuring Acton’s estranged mother, which drew bipartisan condemnation for exploiting family trauma.
- Acton emphasized unity and healing in her victory speech, promising to be a governor for all Ohioans, while Ramaswamy acknowledged the bitter nature of the race and expressed hope for state unity under Acton’s leadership.
- Ramaswamy, despite endorsements from Donald Trump and significant financial backing from billionaire donors, faced criticism for his luxurious campaign style and encountered racial and religious bias in the predominantly white, Christian state.
- The campaign also focused heavily on Acton’s tenure as Ohio’s health director during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Republicans blaming her for unpopular restrictions, though Governor Mike DeWine defended her role and decisions.
