Ohio’s November 3 ballot will feature a competitive governor’s race that could shape the state’s direction for the next four years. The major‑party contenders are Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, a staunch supporter of President Trump, and Democratic former Ohio Health Director Amy Acton. Libertarian veteran Don Kissick also appears on the ticket.
Republican Ticket: Vivek Ramaswamy & Rob McColley
Vivek Ramaswamy, 41, is a first‑time office‑seeker who rose to national prominence after running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. After suspending his campaign in January, he endorsed President Trump, praising the administration’s focus on economic freedom and limited government. Ramaswamy’s campaign emphasizes lowering property taxes, reducing electricity costs, and curbing health‑care expenses for Ohio families.
He has selected Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate. McColley, 41, represents the 1st Senate District, covering eleven counties in northwest Ohio, and previously served as a state representative. Together they argue that their partnership blends business acumen with legislative experience to restore fiscal responsibility and public safety.
Democratic Ticket: Amy Acton & David Pepper
Amy Acton, 60, is a physician and former Ohio Health Director who became a household name during the early COVID‑19 response. While she worked alongside Republican Governor Mike DeWine on daily briefings, her tenure sparked criticism from some state Republicans and residents opposed to pandemic restrictions. Acton says her priorities will be affordability, medical‑debt relief, and rooting out government corruption. She proposes using state funds to negotiate lower medical‑debt balances and increasing agency audits to rebuild public trust.
Acton’s running mate is David Pepper, a longtime Democratic organizer and former chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party. Pepper brings experience from Cincinnati City Council and the Hamilton County Commission, where he served as commission president.
Libertarian Option: Don Kissick & James Mills
Libertarian candidate Don Kissick, a Navy veteran, runs with James Mills as his lieutenant governor. Kissick’s platform focuses on data‑center regulation, transparency in government, and support for small businesses. He also endorses marriage equality, offering a distinct third‑party perspective.
Polling Snapshot
Recent polls released last week show a split picture: two surveys place Ramaswamy in the lead, while two others favor Acton. The race appears poised to remain tight through the final weeks of campaigning.
What’s at Stake
The governor’s office will be open after Gov. Mike DeWine reaches his term limit. Voters will decide which vision—Trump‑aligned economic conservatism, public‑health‑focused Democratic reform, or Libertarian market‑driven policies—will guide Ohio’s future.
Both campaigns are actively touring the state, holding town halls and meeting with local leaders. As the election draws near, Ohio residents are encouraged to review each candidate’s platform, consider the issues that matter most to their families, and cast an informed vote on Nov. 3.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
