COLUMBUS, Ohio — November 4, 2026 — Ohio voters delivered major victories for Democrats in Tuesday’s general election, choosing Amy Acton as the state’s next governor and returning former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown to Washington.
The November 3 election brought significant changes to Ohio’s political leadership, with Democrats winning several prominent statewide contests following years of Republican success in the state.
Amy Acton Makes History in Governor’s Race
Democrat Dr. Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in one of the nation’s most closely watched gubernatorial elections.
Acton, Ohio’s former health director, becomes the first woman elected governor in the state’s history and the first Democrat to win the office since 2006.
She will succeed Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who was unable to seek another term because of term limits.
Acton became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic while serving as Ohio’s health director under DeWine.
Her campaign focused heavily on affordability, health care and economic concerns affecting working families.
Ramaswamy, a businessman and former presidential candidate, entered the race with the backing of President Donald Trump.
The campaign attracted national attention and significant political spending, particularly during its final weeks.
Acton’s victory marks a major change in Ohio’s statewide political leadership.
Sherrod Brown Defeats Jon Husted in U.S. Senate Race
Democrat Sherrod Brown also secured a major victory Tuesday, defeating Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted.
Brown’s win marks a political comeback after he lost his Senate seat to Republican Bernie Moreno in the 2024 election.
Husted was appointed to the Senate in 2025 by Gov. DeWine after JD Vance became vice president.
Tuesday’s election determined who would serve the remainder of Vance’s original Senate term, which ends in January 2029.
Brown’s victory gives Democrats a Senate seat previously held by Republicans.
Throughout the campaign, Brown emphasized issues affecting working families, including wages, energy costs and economic development.
The contest was among the most closely watched Senate races in the country.
Democrat Allison Russo Wins Secretary of State Race
Ohio voters also elected Democrat Allison Russo as the state’s next secretary of state.
Russo defeated Republican Robert Sprague, Ohio’s current treasurer, and Libertarian candidate Tom Pruss.
Russo previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives, including time as House minority leader.
As secretary of state, she will oversee Ohio’s elections and several other responsibilities of the office, including business filings.
Her victory gives Democrats another important statewide position.
Ohio Voters Approve Issue 3
Ohio voters also approved State Issue 3, a constitutional amendment involving voter identification requirements.
The measure requires voters to present an approved form of government-issued photo identification when voting.
The issue received majority support statewide and was approved during Tuesday’s election.
Additional Statewide Results Await Final Confirmation
Other statewide contests included races for attorney general, auditor, treasurer and seats on the Ohio Supreme Court.
Some of those races remained too close to call in Wednesday morning reporting, and final results will depend on the completion of vote counting and the official canvass.
County election boards will review election returns before results are certified.
Election Results Signal Political Changes Across Ohio
The victories by Acton and Brown represent a significant development in a state that has increasingly supported Republican candidates in recent elections.
Both races attracted national attention as voters considered issues including the economy, health care, energy costs and the direction of government.
For communities throughout the Ohio Valley, the election results will bring new leadership at the state level and a change in Ohio’s representation in the U.S. Senate.
Although major races have been called, election night totals remain unofficial until the certification process is complete.
River News will continue following statewide and local election results as additional information becomes available.
