Acton up over Ramaswamy in gubernatorial poll

A recent poll by Hart Research reveals a competitive Ohio gubernatorial race, with Democrat Dr. Amy Acton leading Republican Vivek Ramaswamy by a slim margin. Acton received 46% support from likely voters, while Ramaswamy followed closely with 45%, a result that falls within the poll's margin of error of ±3. 5%. With no additional Democrat candidates officially in the running, former U.

S. Rep. Tim Ryan and ex-Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo have shown interest in entering the race. Ramaswamy, who was endorsed by the state Republican Party in May, effectively cleared the field of other Republican challengers. The election, taking place in November 2026, is shaping up to be closely contested, particularly given Acton's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She played a pivotal role in public health decisions during that time, which could influence voter sentiment. Ramaswamy, having previously campaigned for the presidency, brings notable name recognition but faces a tough challenge from Acton. As both candidates gear up for the election, their contrasting backgrounds and campaign strategies are likely to define the race.