BREAKING: Former Democratic U.S. Representative Tim Ryan has officially announced he will not run for Ohio governor in the upcoming 2026 election, a development that significantly strengthens the campaign of Dr. Amy Acton, former state health director. This decision, revealed on November 17, 2023, comes after Ryan, 52, weighed his options following the exits of notable candidates like Sherrod Brown and Jim Tressel.
Ryan, who gained statewide recognition from his 2022 Senate bid against now-Vice President JD Vance, stated, “After careful consideration, much prayer and reflection, and after long conversations with my family, my closest friends and advisors, I’ve made the decision not to run for governor in 2026.” His withdrawal clears a major hurdle for Acton, 59, who has been actively campaigning since January, traveling across the state to engage voters.
Acton has positioned herself as a strong alternative, emphasizing her commitment to improving Ohio’s economy while taking aim at her GOP opponent, billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. “While the special interests that run our state are doing just fine, they’ve made a mess for the rest of us,” Acton said. “I will not allow a billionaire Washington insider like Vivek Ramaswamy to take us down an even worse path. I’m running for governor because it’s time for a change.”
As of August, Ramaswamy has raised a staggering $9.7 million, compared to Acton’s $1.35 million, giving him a substantial financial edge. His swift consolidation of Republican support has forced established politicians out of the race, including Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Acton, who previously served under Republican Governor Mike DeWine during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to leverage her experience from those challenging days to connect with voters. She was a prominent figure during the initial stages of the pandemic, gaining both praise and criticism for her stringent measures.
The Ohio Democratic Party, energized by Ryan’s decision, is now fully committed to supporting Acton’s campaign. Spokesperson Katie Seewer stated, “We are ready to move full swing into electing Acton.”
With Ryan stepping aside, the race for Ohio governor is heating up, and all eyes are on how Acton will navigate the challenges posed by Ramaswamy’s formidable campaign. The next steps for Acton will be crucial as she seeks to gain momentum and connect with voters across the state in the months leading up to the election.
Stay tuned for continuing updates as this political landscape evolves, and watch for key developments in the race for Ohio’s future.
