Affordability and family attacks shape Democrat Amy Acton’s wins in Ohio governor’s race
A closely watched Ohio contest
Acton defeated Ramaswamy in the race for Ohio governor, according to the CBS News projection. The campaign grew increasingly bitter in a state described as increasingly Republican. Acton, 60, was born in Youngstown and previously led Ohio’s Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic under DeWine. Ramaswamy, a billionaire entrepreneur, is from Cincinnati.
Candidates offered different priorities
Acton centered her campaign on affordability and spoke about her personal history, including experiencing homelessness as a child. Ramaswamy made efficiency a central theme and pointed to his business success as a model. Speaking to supporters after her victory, Acton said, “This win is for all of us.” She also pledged that no one would be unseen by her.
Campaign spending and attacks
Ramaswamy substantially outspent Acton, as major Republicans rallied behind his national profile. Millions of dollars went toward negative advertising during the contest. In October, Ramaswamy’s campaign launched a $4 million advertisement featuring Acton’s estranged mother, who called Acton a liar. Acton’s stepfather had been charged with abusing her; Acton has not seen her mother since her mother and stepfather left town after a bond hearing.
Key points
- CBS News projects Democrat Amy Acton defeated Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio’s governor’s race.
- Acton campaigned on affordability and drew on her childhood experience with homelessness.
- Ramaswamy emphasized efficiency and his business record, and spent substantially more than Acton.
- A $4 million October advertisement featured Acton’s estranged mother.