Democrat Amy Acton wins Ohio’s race for governor

Democrat Amy Acton has won Ohio’s race for governor, defeating Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, NBC News projects.

The race became hostile in its closing days after Ramaswamy’s campaign produced and aired an attack ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother.

Acton, 60, is the first woman to be elected governor of the state. Former Lt. Gov. Nancy Hollister served as governor for 11 days in 1999 after Republican Gov. George Voinovich moved on to the Senate.

She is also the first Democrat to win Ohio’s governorship since Ted Strickland won a single four-year term in 2006. Since then, the state has moved decisively to the right, and it backed Donald Trump by comfortable margins in three straight presidential elections.

Ramaswamy, 41, lost despite an endorsement from Trump and having top strategists from his and Vice President JD Vance’s political teams advising him and an aligned super PAC.

“Tonight, Ohio has chosen unity and decency over division and hate,” Acton said in a statement. “Ohio is ready for a Governor who will fight to lower costs, take on corruption, and build a state where everyone gets a fair shot. Regardless of who you voted for, I will be a governor for all Ohioans.

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports