The Western Journal reports that Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the Ohio governor’s race on Tuesday. The outlet described Acton’s win as a “massive victory.”
What the outlet says happened
According to The Western Journal, Ramaswamy previously ran in the 2024 GOP presidential primaries before endorsing Donald Trump, then shifted to the Ohio governor’s race after Trump’s 2024 win. The outlet also notes that Acton, a physician who led the Ohio Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, was ahead in several major polls before Election Day.
The ad at the center of controversy
The Western Journal reports Ramaswamy’s campaign pulled a controversial ad last week that featured Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur. In the ad, Arthur called Acton a “lifetime liar” and urged Ohioans not to support her, according to the outlet. The Western Journal characterizes the ad as having backfired with voters; we have not independently assessed its impact.
Why the result stands out
The Western Journal frames the outcome against recent Republican strength in Ohio: it notes Donald Trump carried the state by more than eight points in 2016, by eight points in 2020, and by over 11 points in 2024 against Kamala Harris. The outlet also points out that J.D. Vance, now vice president, is from Ohio and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022.
What we don’t know
The Western Journal’s report did not include vote totals, margins, or official certifications. Patriots Beacon has not independently verified the result, the polling cited, or details about the ad’s removal.
