US midterm elections 2026: Democrat Amy Acton defeats Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio governor's race

Democrat Amy Acton has defeated Indian American Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the race for governor of Ohio, according to Reuters, in a setback for Republicans in a state where the governor's office was previously held by the party.

The Ohio governor's race was among the closely watched contests in the 2026 US midterm elections, with Republican Vivek Ramaswamy taking on Democrat Amy Acton to succeed outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who was barred from seeking another term due to term limits. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former 2024 Republican presidential candidate, secured the Republican nomination with endorsements from President Donald Trump and the state Republican Party.

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Acton, a physician and former Ohio state health director who became widely recognised during the Covid-19 pandemic, emerged as the Democratic candidate. The contest was particularly significant for Democrats, who were seeking to reclaim the governor's office after two decades, even as Ohio had increasingly tilted towards Republicans in recent elections.

“I have to tell you, I have some serious concerns about the future direction of our country. There’s no avoiding that,” he told supporters at a subdued watch party. “But I do believe that there have been many ups and downs in the history of our country, and we have, in the end, still found our way upward,” said Republican Vivek Ramaswamy after the loss.