Amy Acton defeats Trump-backed Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio governor race

Amy Acton defeated Trump-backed Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the Ohio governor election. Her victory makes her the first woman elected governor of the state.

In Short

• Acton secured over 51 per cent, while Ramaswamy received 45 per cent
• Ramaswamy urged supporters to root for the incoming administration's success
• He invested over USD 36 million of his personal fortune

Indian-American Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who was backed by US President Donald Trump, has lost the Ohio governor's race to Democrat Amy Acton, the Press Trust of India reported.

Acton, 60, became the first woman elected governor of Ohio after securing more than 51 per cent of the votes. Ramaswamy, 41, received more than 45 per cent.

In his concession remarks, Ramaswamy said: "It was a tough race. It was bitter at times in both directions... All of us in this room should be rooting for the success of her administration," according to C-SPAN. He also thanked his parents, wife and parents-in-law for their support.

Ramaswamy lost despite being advised by top strategists from his political team and that of Vice-President JD Vance, NBC News reported.

The billionaire, who unsuccessfully challenged Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, put more than USD 36 million of his personal fortune into the race as loans, The Washington Post reported. He also received millions of dollars in donations from billionaires Elon Musk and Jeffrey Yass, according to NBC News.

Days before the election, Ramaswamy faced criticism over an advertisement in which Acton's mother, Donna Arthur, called her daughter a liar and urged Ohio voters not to support her, PTI reported, citing NBC News.

Acton said she had neither seen nor spoken to Arthur in nearly 50 years. She has accused her mother's then-husband of sexually abusing her when she was a child, the report said.

Ramaswamy had helped Musk plan Trump's Department of Government Efficiency initiative to overhaul the federal government. After leaving the role, he was endorsed by Trump, who also travelled to Ohio to campaign in his support.

Despite Trump's endorsement, support from prominent strategists and substantial campaign funding, Ramaswamy finished behind Acton, who secured a majority of the votes and became Ohio's first woman governor.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends