Despite refusing to debate and barring filming at campaign stops, Amy Acton elected Ohio’s next governor

Amy Acton, the former director of the state’s Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, who barred media from attending some events and generally prohibited recording at her campaign events, has been elected Ohio’s next governor.

Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, a billionaire entrepreneur, and Libertarian Don Kissick to become the state’s first Democratic governor since Ted Strickland, who was elected to the post in 2006. Acton is only the fourth Democratic governor elected in Ohio since Frank Lausche resigned in 1957.

With about 85% of the votes counted, Acton had more than 50% of the vote, while Ramaswamy had nearly 46%.

“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. This isn’t about party; it’s about building a better future for our state. Thank you to every Ohioan who made their voice heard. It is the honor of my life to serve as your Governor.”

Like races in other states, the governor’s race drew close scrutiny in Ohio and nationwide. It undoubtedly helped Ohio set an early voting record this year.

Ramaswamy drew criticism for an ad he ran in the closing weeks of the campaign that featured Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, declaring that her daughter could not be trusted and wasn’t right for the state’s highest office. However, Ramaswamy faced criticism from Republicans and Democrats after allegations surfaced that Arthur’s husband and Acton’s stepfather, Cledith Arthur, abused Acton and her brother.

Acton faced scrutiny about what was effectively her only public policy record: the decisions she made during the pandemic. She also faced questions about two police calls Acton’s daughter made — one in 2013 and a second in 2019 and for refusing to debate Ramaswamy.