Former U.S. Representative Tim Ryan will not be contesting the Ohio gubernatorial race in 2026. His decision opens the door for Amy Acton, the former state health director, who is now in a strong position to become the Democratic nominee.
Ryan’s Announcement
On Friday, Ryan shared that he had made the decision after considerable thought, prayer, and discussions with his family and advisors. He initially stated last year that he would not pursue any office in 2026 but seemed to reconsider his position in recent months.
Impact on the Democratic Race
Amy Acton is now expected to lead the Democratic charge against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, a current front-runner in the GOP primary for governor. Many Democratic supporters had hoped Ryan would enter the race, especially following his commendable yet unsuccessful Senate campaign in 2022. A recent Emerson College poll indicated that Ramaswamy holds a 7-percentage-point lead over Ryan and nearly 10 points over Acton in potential matchups.
Challenges for Acton
- Acton has emerged as a first-time candidate linked to controversial COVID-19 policies.
- Ryan’s potential candidacy could have split Democratic support, making the general election more challenging.
Moreover, Ryan’s appeal to white, working-class voters has been waning, which raises questions about his viability in the Democratic primary against Acton.
Political Dynamics
Former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, who is also campaigning again for Senate, may have influenced Ryan’s decision-making process. Ryan would have needed to navigate complex dynamics, including support from Brown’s camp, which has been backing Acton since her interest in the governor’s race emerged last summer.
Acton’s Focus
In response to Ryan’s withdrawal, Acton emphasized her commitment to addressing rising costs for Ohioans. “I’m running for governor because it’s time for a change,” she stated. “Together, we can lower costs and build the Ohio we all deserve.”
Current State of the Race
With Ryan out, the landscape is clearer for Acton. Currently, Jacob Chiara, a lesser-known political figure, is the only other Democrat officially in the race. As the candidate filing deadline nears in February, no additional major Democrats have emerged to challenge Acton.
Ryan’s exit from the race means he can retain his lucrative roles in the natural gas and cryptocurrency sectors, key factors in his decision-making process. The political climate in Ohio remains dynamic as both parties prepare for an exciting election cycle ahead.
