Acton, a doctor, becomes the first woman to be elected governor of Ohio after defeating Trump-backed Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Acton, 60, campaigned on improving access to healthcare and highlighted her childhood as a homeless person, which, according to the AP, appealed to working- and middle-class voters.
Smear campaign
The final stretch of the election campaign in Ohio was marked by smears and harsh words - especially after a commercial for Ramaswamy drew heavy criticism from both parties. The film featured an interview with Acton's mother, who called her daughter a liar. Acton broke off contact with her mother in 1978 after accusing her stepfather of sexual abuse.
The film was defended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, but criticized by several Republican candidates for the Senate and governor.
The Democrats' success - the "blue wave" - also seems to be reflected in the gubernatorial elections. The party wins four governorships from Republicans while retaining power in several other states.
Democratic gains
In Texas, Gina Hinojosa becomes the state's first Democratic governor in more than 30 years after defeating Republican Greg Abbott.
Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms becomes the first Black woman in U.S. history to be elected governor after defeating political newcomer Rick Jackson in the Georgia gubernatorial election. Lance Bottoms, a former mayor of Atlanta, regains the Democratic governorship in Georgia after 23 years of Republican rule.
Trump loyalist and former House member Byron Donalds wins the Florida gubernatorial election over Democrat David Jolly. He becomes Florida's first Black governor.
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