Amy Acton becomes first female governor of Ohio

Amy Acton will serve as the next governor of Ohio.

The Associated Press called the race for Acton on Monday. She is the first woman to hold the office in the state.

Acton, 60, defeated Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy is a biotech entrepreneur and a Republican candidate who had the support of President Trump. The final weeks of the campaign were marked by heated exchanges. A specific attack ad from the Ramaswamy campaign drew national attention.

The ad featured Donna Arthur, Acton’s estranged mother. Arthur called Acton a liar during the spot. Arthur lost custody of Acton when Acton was 12. The custody dispute involved the alleged sexual assault of Acton by Arthur’s husband. That man was Acton’s stepfather.

Republicans criticized the ad. Outgoing Governor Mike DeWine voiced his disapproval. Trump and Ramaswamy defended the strategy. Acton’s victory ends a 20-year streak of Republican control over the governor’s mansion in Ohio.

Acton served as the director of the Ohio Department of Health. DeWine appointed her early in his first term. The two officials held regular briefings together during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. They announced lockdowns and promoted safety measures. Acton resigned from that post in June 2020.

During the campaign, Acton emphasized her experience in public health rather than her political history. She proposed policies such as a statewide child tax credit and the forgiveness of medical debt. She will take office in January.

The new governor will face a legislature controlled by Republicans. That majority may limit her power to pass new laws. She will work within that structure as she begins her term.