Former Ohio public health director Amy Acton claimed victory over Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy to deliver for Democrats a rare statewide win in the Buckeye State.

The Associated Press declared Acton, who helped lead the state's response through much of the COVID-19 pandemic, the winner over Ramaswamy following a bitter campaign for the open gubernatorial seat.

The backstory: Heading into Election Day, the Ohio race grew into one of the most heated in the country as Acton and Ramaswamy vied to replace outgoing Gov. Mike DeWine, who was ineligible to run for a third term.