Beyond politics: Amy Acton, LaMonica McIver and James Talarico; meet the families behind the US midterm election winners

As US midterm elections delivered major victories for Amy Acton in Ohio, LaMonica McIver in New Jersey and James Talarico in Texas. Despite their political careers, their family lives also drew attention during the campaigns. Acton faced controversy over an attack ad featuring her estranged mother, McIver spoke openly about her fertility journey and motherhood, while Talarico’s longtime girlfriend became a subject of public interest.

Here is what to know about their election victories and the family members who have featured in their public stories.

What to know about Ohio governor Amy Acton’s husband and mother

Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the Ohio governor’s race and she became the first woman elected governor of Ohio.

Who is Amy Acton’s husband?

Acton is married to Eric Acton, a teacher and track coach. The couple have a blended family of six children.

Acton has spoken about her difficult childhood in Youngstown, Ohio. She has described experiences involving abuse, neglect, hunger and homelessness. Her early experiences later became part of the public discussion surrounding her campaign.

Also Read: Meet Amy Acton, who defeats Vivek Ramaswamy: What to know about the Ohio governor-elect whose mother accused her of lying about sexual abuse and childhood rape

Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, appeared in an attack ad aired during the governor’s race. In the advertisement, Arthur criticised her daughter and urged voters not to support her.

Acton has said that her childhood experiences were painful, and the campaign controversy placed her family history under national scrutiny. The controversy became one of the defining moments of the closing days of the Ohio race. Acton went on to defeat Ramaswamy.

LaMonica McIver wins reelection: What to know about her husband and children

McIver won reelection in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, according to the AP.

McIver who married Khalif Thomas often spoken publicly about her experience with infertility and uterine fibroids. She welcomed her second daughter in 2026 after a lengthy fertility journey.

Also Read: LaMonica McIver wins reelection: What to know about the New Jersey Democrat facing federal charges

McIver's first daughter is 10 years old. She faces federal charges that carry up to 17 years in prison over an oversight visit to Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in her district. The case remains ongoing.

James Talarico wins Texas Senate race

Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, according to CBS News. He is a former middle-school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian who campaigned on issues including affordability and political accountability.

Also Read: James Talarico scores massive win in Texas Senate race, flips seat for Democrats after over three decades; campaigned on working-class issues

Who is James Talarico’s girlfriend?

Talarico’s longtime girlfriend is Brianna Menard, a Texas native and University of Texas at Austin graduate. She works in political education at the Texas Medical Association, where she directs TEXPAC and political education activities.

Menard previously spent years working in the Texas Legislature. She also served as Talarico’s chief of staff before leaving his office and later taking on other political roles. The couple began dating after developing feelings while working together, according to People.

Talarico has described Menard as his “rock” and best friend. He has also said that he wants to protect her and his family from the pressures that come with a high-profile political campaign.