Ohio voters elect first female governor

Amy Acton defeated Vivek Ramaswamy to become the first woman elected governor of Ohio. The Associated Press called the race shortly before 11 p.m. on Tuesday. Acton is also the first governor-elect in more than 100 years to have never held elected office before her appointment as state health director in 2019.

The gubernatorial contest is estimated to have cost over $100 million when outside spending is included. Republicans attacked Acton for her role during the pandemic and questioned her personal history. She accused Ramaswamy of being out of touch and noted his profit from a failed Alzheimer's drug. In late October, Ramaswamy aired ads featuring Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who lost custody of the candidates in 1978.

Acton addressed supporters at a hotel in Columbus after the win. “Ohio has chosen unity and decency. The healing begins today,” she said. She pledged to work with all residents to improve their lives. “I will be a relentless warrior for Ohio,” she added. Ramaswamy conceded from a Columbus hotel, calling the race “bitter in both directions.” He said Republicans would root for her administration’s success.

Sherrod Brown also won a historic victory in the U.S. Senate race. The former senator defeated incumbent Jon Husted in the most expensive Ohio race in history. Ad spending for that contest topped $500 million. Brown returned to the Senate two years after losing his previous bid for re-election.

Brown told his crowd that Ohio was not for sale. He plans to ban stock trading for members of Congress as one of his first actions. His campaign focused on lowering gas prices by ending the war in Iran and removing tariffs. “I do not work for utility companies. I do not work for data centers. I do not work for Wall Street,” Brown said.

Husted conceded the loss at the Republican watch party. He noted that he had been in many competitions, but this one did not turn out as he wished. He advised candidates to win with humility and lose with grace and dignity.

The results confirm a Democratic gain in Ohio after two decades. Acton and Brown will take office following the standard transition period. The final vote counts for both races are pending certification by state officials.