Democratic Party

The race for governor in Ohio is shaping up to become one of the most closely watched political contests of the 2026 midterm elections after Democrat Amy Acton secured her party’s nomination and set up a November showdown with Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.

Acton, who became nationally known during the Covid-19 pandemic as Ohio’s public health director under current Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, easily won the Democratic primary, according to Decision Desk HQ. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur aligned with President Donald Trump, won the Republican nomination.

The election could become historic regardless of the outcome. [Read more…] about Ohio governor race could become one of 2026’s biggest political battlegrounds

More than 30 governorships will be contested across the United States during the 2026 midterm elections, with several key races expected to shape the future direction of American politics on issues ranging from abortion and healthcare to education, voting rights and LGBTQ+ policy.

A new analysis published by The 19th highlights a series of closely watched gubernatorial contests unfolding in battleground states and politically divided regions across the country.

Many of the races involve open seats as term-limited governors step aside, creating opportunities for new political figures to emerge ahead of the 2028 presidential election cycle. [Read more…] about Why the 2026 governor races could reshape American politics