Democrat Amy Acton wins race for Ohio governor, the Associated Press projects

Democrat Dr. Amy Acton has won Ohio’s race for governor according to unofficial election results. The Associated Press called the race at 10:49 p.m.

Acton’s win marks the first time in 20 years that Ohio voters have selected a Democrat to lead the state. The political newcomer will likely have her work cut out for her. Despite a broadly positive night for her party, Acton will still be working with a Republican-controlled legislature.

Acton rose to statewide prominence at the outset of COVID-19 pandemic. In daily briefings alongside Gov. Mike DeWine, she distinguished herself as a communicator.

While Acton’s tenure as Ohio’s health director tipped her for a future in politics, it was also a source of ammunition for her opponent. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy criticized her relentlessly — although not factually — as “Dr. Lockdown.” Gov. Mike DeWine has insisted the decision to close Ohio businesses was his and his alone.

Acton’s campaign didn’t get bogged down re-litigating the pandemic. Instead, she stayed focused on issues of affordability. Acton promised a “working families tax cut,” pairing a new earned income credit with a child tax credit. She committed to bringing down utility costs and starting a program to forgive medical debt.

Acton also called for a gas tax holiday a few hours before Ramaswamy embraced the idea.

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