Amy Acton to become Ohio's first female governor after AP call
The former health director defeated Vivek Ramaswamy in a contest that ended a 20-year Republican hold on the state executive office.
By Emmanuel Obasi ·
Amy Acton will serve as Ohio's next governor following an Associated Press call, ending a two-decade stretch of Republican leadership in the state. The 60-year-old Democrat becomes the first woman to hold the office in Ohio history.
Acton defeated Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and Republican candidate backed by President Trump. The campaign featured intense personal attacks, most notably a television spot that aired in late October.
The advertisement included comments from Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who labeled Acton a liar. Arthur lost custody of Acton when the candidate was 12 years old due to an alleged sexual assault by her husband, Acton's stepfather. The spot drew criticism from several Republicans, including outgoing Governor Mike DeWine, though Trump and Ramaswamy defended the strategy.
Acton previously served as the director of the Ohio Department of Health under DeWine. She held that position from early in his first term until her resignation in June 2020. During the initial phase of the coronavirus pandemic, she and DeWine jointly conducted public briefings to announce lockdowns and promote safety protocols.
During her gubernatorial campaign, Acton emphasized her public health experience over political history. She proposed a statewide child tax credit and a plan to forgive medical debt.
Acton takes office in January. She will govern with a legislature controlled by Republicans, a composition that may constrain her policy authority.
