We are heading into a big election year, and the Ohio Governor’s Race 2026 is already heating up. The governor’s office matters because it affects how we live, learn, work, and take care of each other. Right now, the major battle is between two very different candidates with very different ideas about Ohio’s future: Dr. Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy.
Who’s Running and What They Stand For — In Real Talk
Dr. Amy Acton, Fighting for Everyday People
Dr. Acton is a doctor from Youngstown who once ran Ohio’s health department. She became a public face during the early days of the COVID pandemic, talking to Ohioans daily and helping guide decisions about health and safety. After that experience, she decided to run for governor because she says Ohio is heading in the wrong direction and everyday people are hurting.
Here’s what she’s talking about for 2026
(Visit her website: Dr. Amy Acton for Governor):
- Lowering everyday costs — gas, groceries, rent — so people aren’t drowning trying to get by.
- Funding public schools so every kid gets a fair shot, no matter where they live or how much money their family has.
- Strong healthcare access — making health a real priority, not just a political talking point.
- Putting people first, not power players — cleaning up special interest influence in politics and investing in working families.
Acton’s message connects with people who want leaders who listen, understand community struggles, and focus on real-life problems instead of just headlines.
Vivek Ramaswamy, Business and “Shake Things Up” Energy
Vivek Ramaswamy didn’t come from politics before this campaign. He’s a biotech entrepreneur and made money in business before launching his political path. He’s got big endorsements and plenty of campaign funding behind him.
Here’s what Ramaswamy is talking about for 2026
(Visit his website: Vivek Ramaswamy for Governor):
- Smaller government and lower taxes — shrinking government helps everyone and lets people keep more of what they earn.
- Education “reform” and school choice — parents have more control over where their kids learn, with new standards and AI integration in classrooms.
- Economic growth and business focus — Ohio should be the best state for businesses to start and thrive, which he believes leads to jobs and opportunity.
- Criticizes past policies — he blames pandemic policies and Democratic leadership for problems in education and economic inequality.
Ramaswamy’s message appeals to people who want big change, less government interference, and a business-first approach to Ohio’s challenges.
What This Means for You
Now that you’ve learned about the candidates and what they stand for, here are your next steps. Use ohiounity.org as a resource to stay informed and get involved:
Step 1: Check Your Voter Registration
Make sure you’re registered to vote in Ohio. If you’ve moved, changed your name, or never registered before, take a few minutes to get it done so you can participate in both the primary and general elections. You can check and register here: Ohio Voter Registration.
Step 2: Know the Key Dates
Primary Election: May 5, 2026
- Registration deadline: April 6, 2026
- Early/absentee voting: April 7 – May 3, 2026
General Election: November 3, 2026
- Registration deadline: October 5, 2026
Step 3: Plan How You’ll Vote
Decide if you’ll vote in person, take advantage of early voting, or request an absentee ballot. Planning ahead helps make sure your voice is counted.
Step 4: Get Your Community Involved
Talk to friends, classmates, neighbors, and family about the election. Encourage them to check registration, learn about the issues, and show up to vote. Your voice matters — and so does theirs.
These candidates are offering very different visions. Acton focuses on making life easier for families and communities first — jobs, schools, healthcare — grounded in everyday struggles. Ramaswamy focuses on reforming systems through business-style thinking, choice, and smaller government.
This election isn’t just about party labels — it’s about who stands with working people, who understands the grind, and whose ideas will shape the Ohio you live in for the next four years.
Pay attention, talk with your community, ask questions, and stay informed. Show up, make your voice heard, and help shape the future of Ohio.
