Ohio governor race moves toward Democrats in Cook rating
The Cook Political Report changed its rating for Ohio’s governor race from toss-up to lean Democrat, favoring Amy Acton over Vivek Ramaswamy. The shift followed a controversial ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother, which drew criticism from Democrats and some Republicans. Cook noted that recent polling already favored Acton before the ad and that her fundraising has increased since its release.
Cook’s rating shift came after Ramaswamy aired an ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother, who calls Acton dishonest and urges voters to reject her. Acton’s campaign says she was taken from her mother’s custody when she was 12 and was sexually abused by her stepfather, with whom her mother stayed until his death.
The spot drew condemnation from Democrats and some Republicans, including Gov. Mike DeWine, while Trump and Vance defended it. Cook’s Jessica Taylor said no GOP source she contacted thought it was wise and noted polling already favored Acton. A pre-ad Cook poll had Acton ahead by five points; Sabato’s Crystal Ball also moved its rating, and Acton’s fundraising has increased as Ramaswamy spends $4 million airing the ad.
The rating shift may affect how Ohio voters and national donors view the race, potentially drawing more attention and resources to Acton and Ramaswamy. Because the ad involves allegations of childhood abuse, it could also shape public discussion about how family trauma is used in campaigns, with possible consequences for abuse survivors and for trust in political advertising.