Ohio Voters Head to Polls in Competitive Gubernatorial Election
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton face off in a high-stakes race to succeed Governor Mike DeWine.
Ohio voters are casting their ballots today, November 3, to determine the state's next governor in a contentious race between Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Democratic former state health director Amy Acton. The election marks the end of a high-profile campaign to replace outgoing GOP Governor Mike DeWine, who is barred from seeking reelection due to term limits. Libertarian candidate Don Kissick is also appearing on the ballot alongside his running mate, James Mills.
The gubernatorial contest has been characterized by significant spending and personal attacks, with candidates and their allies investing over $200 million to influence voters. Ramaswamy, a billionaire entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, has campaigned on a platform focused on property taxes, energy costs, and healthcare affordability. He has also emphasized his support for law enforcement and proposed measures to restrict the release of repeat violent offenders.
Amy Acton, who gained prominence as the state's health director during the COVID-19 pandemic, has centered her platform on addressing medical debt, government corruption, and affordability. Acton has advocated for state-led negotiations to reduce medical debt and has promised to increase agency audits to restore public trust in government institutions. Her running mate is former Ohio Democratic Party chairman David Pepper.
Libertarian candidate Don Kissick, a Navy veteran who has previously sought office for the U.S. Senate and the 5th Congressional District, has focused his campaign on government transparency, small business support, and the regulation of surveillance technology and data centers. Kissick has also publicly expressed his support for marriage equality and the proposed End Ohio Property Tax Amendment.
The campaign has been marked by intense political maneuvering, including the passage of Ramaswamy-backed policies such as a 90-day gas tax suspension and a constitutional amendment requiring voter identification. The race has drawn national attention, with former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance campaigning for Ramaswamy, while former President Barack Obama has appeared in support of Acton.
Recent polling data suggests a tight contest, with surveys showing the lead alternating between the two major-party candidates. As voters head to the polls, the outcome remains uncertain. In-person voting is scheduled to conclude at 7:30 p.m. this evening, and officials have reminded residents that all absentee ballots must be submitted to their respective county boards of elections by that same deadline to be counted.