Ohio Democrats Take Governor, Senate Seats

More than $100 million was spent on the Ohio gubernatorial race, a figure that underscores the high stakes of Tuesday’s election. The Associated Press declared former state health director Amy Acton the winner shortly before 11 p.m. She becomes the first woman elected governor in Ohio history. Acton is also the first governor-elect in over a century who had not previously been elected to public office.

Acton was appointed health director by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019. Her opponent was tech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy. The campaign featured intense advertising, with Republicans criticizing Acton’s actions during the pandemic and alleging she had addiction issues. Acton denied the addiction claims. Her team accused Ramaswamy of profiting from an Alzheimer’s drug that failed clinical trials. Ramaswamy called that allegation slanderous.

A key moment in the race occurred in late October when Ramaswamy aired ads featuring Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur. Arthur lost custody of Acton and her brother in 1978. That year, Arthur left Ohio with her husband, who had been indicted for raping Acton when she was 12. Acton stated that her difficult past made her stronger.

Acton addressed supporters at the Ohio Democratic Party’s event in Columbus. She said, “Ohio has chosen unity and decency. The healing begins today.” She pledged to work with anyone to improve life for residents. Ramaswamy conceded at the Republican event in Columbus, describing the race as “bitter in both directions.” He wished Acton success in her administration.

Voters also returned Sherrod Brown to the U.S. Senate. Brown had lost his re-election bid two years prior. He defeated incumbent Jon Husted in what is the costliest race in Ohio history. Ad spending for the Senate contest topped $500 million. Brown told his crowd that Ohio is not for sale.

Brown said he will move to ban senators from trading stocks. He campaigned on ending the war in Iran to lower gas prices, ending tariffs, and addressing affordability. He stated he does not work for utility companies, data centers, or Wall Street. Husted acknowledged his loss at the Republican watch party. He said candidates should win with humility and lose with dignity.