Acton wins Ohio governorship in historic upset

Democrats Amy Acton and Deb Haaland secured historic victories on Tuesday, with Acton becoming the first woman and first Jewish person elected governor of Ohio. Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in a race that ended a two decade stretch of Republican control in the statehouse. She previously served as the state's chief public health officer during the pandemic.

The Ohio result was one of the larger surprises in a night of firsts. Acton's win caps a campaign marked by intense negative advertising in the final weeks. One specific attack ad drew national criticism for its tone. Despite the friction, Acton secured the governor's mansion in Columbus.

The path to this result began with Acton's tenure as Ohio's chief public health officer. She left that role to run for governor against Ramaswamy. The race featured a series of mudslinging exchanges that defined the final stretch of the election cycle.

Acton is scheduled to assume office in January. She will be the first Democrat to hold the position in more than 20 years. Her victory aligns with a nationwide trend of first time electees in other states.

Voters in ten states elected governors who are making history. In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms became the country's first Black woman governor. She defeated Republican Rick Jackson. In New Mexico, Deb Haaland became the first Native American woman governor. She beat Republican Gregg Hull.

Latino representation increased in the Southwest. Xavier Becerra won the California governor's race, becoming the first elected Latino governor. He defeated Steve Hilton. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Greg Abbott. She will be the first Latina governor of the state.

Black candidates won in Florida, Nevada, and Wisconsin. Byron Donalds won in Florida, Aaron Ford won in Nevada, and David Crowley won in Wisconsin. Women also broke barriers in Tennessee and Minnesota. Marsha Blackburn won in Tennessee and Amy Klobuchar won in Minnesota. Both will be the first women to serve as governor in those states.