Democrat Amy Acton has won the Ohio gubernatorial election, defeating Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, according to projections by the Associated Press (AP) and election analyst Decision Desk HQ.

The former director of the Ohio Department of Health will succeed Republican Governor Mike DeWine, becoming the first Democrat to lead the state since Ted Strickland left office in 2011.

The race, initially considered extremely tight, shifted significantly in October following a controversy sparked by Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign team. The Republican candidate, an entrepreneur and rising figure in the conservative movement, aired a controversial campaign advertisement featuring Amy Acton’s mother.

The personal attack, which brought painful family history back into the spotlight, triggered widespread bipartisan criticism. Even outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine publicly condemned the campaign strategy.

The political backlash proved damaging to Ramaswamy’s electoral prospects. Just days before the vote, the influential Cook Political Report revised its forecast, moving Ohio from a “toss-up” to “lean Democratic.”

The trend was confirmed at the ballot box on Tuesday. Drawing on her background as a physician and public health administrator, as well as her reputation for crisis management, Acton succeeded in mobilizing independent and moderate voters in the suburbs of major Ohio cities, including Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.

The Democratic victory in Ohio, a key state that had largely supported Republicans in previous presidential election cycles, sends a significant political warning at the national level. It further strengthens the Democratic position during the 2026 midterm election night.

The governor-elect is expected to take office in January 2027, with reforming public health services and promoting the state’s economic development among her stated priorities.