Ohio's new governor raised record funds in bid to lower living costs

Dr. Amy Acton will serve as Ohio’s next governor, according to unofficial election results and the Associated Press. The Democrat defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to become the first woman and the first Jewish person to hold the state's top position. Her victory also marks the first time in two decades that a Democrat has won the seat.

The race was defined by record-breaking financial spending, with both candidates raising more money than any previous Ohio gubernatorial contenders. Acton, the state's former health director during the pandemic, campaigned on affordability and bipartisanship. Her platform focused on lowering the cost of living for Ohio residents. Her running mate, David Pepper, an attorney and former party chair, pledged to target corruption and reduce expenses.

Acton faced a contentious campaign that drew national attention after Ramaswamy aired a controversial advertisement. The video featured Acton's estranged biological mother calling her a liar. Court documents and reporting indicated that Acton was taken from her mother after her stepfather faced rape charges as a child. The couple subsequently fled the state to avoid trial and did not see Acton again.

The new administration will face a Republican-controlled legislature. However, Acton will have the authority to appoint all cabinet positions, a power no Democratic governor has held since 2006. The Associated Press called the race as Acton led in dozens of polls for months prior to the election.

Acton is scheduled to deliver an acceptance speech, though the exact timing has not been determined. She is also set to appear in a one-on-one interview with News 5 to discuss the challenges of turning Ohio blue.