Democratic candidate Amy Acton has defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio’s gubernatorial election, becoming the first Jewish person to serve as governor of the US state.
Acton, a former director of Ohio’s Department of Health, secured 51 per cent of the votes, representing 2,145,218 ballots, against Ramaswamy’s 1,921,915 votes, or 45.7 per cent, with approximately 89 per cent of ballots counted, according to figures reported by *The New York Times*.
The victory marks a historic milestone for Acton, who previously served as the chief health adviser to former Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. She reportedly faced antisemitic attacks and harassment during the COVID-19 pandemic while overseeing the state’s public health response.
Reacting to her victory on Tuesday night, Acton said Ohioans had chosen unity and decency over division and hatred.
She also pledged to address the rising cost of living, tackle corruption and create opportunities for residents across the state.
Born in Ohio, Acton grew up in Youngstown with her Jewish father, Gerald Stearns. She has also publicly addressed issues relating to antisemitism, the Holocaust and Jewish celebrations, including Chanukah.
Her campaign was not without controversy. A leaked attack advertisement featuring her estranged mother, who described Acton as a liar and urged voters to reject her candidacy, attracted widespread criticism of Ramaswamy’s campaign.
According to her campaign website, Acton lives in Bexley with her husband, Eric, and their six children.