Vivek Ramaswamy Leads GOP Field, But In Dead Heat With Dem Amy Acton

Photo:@corymbowman

India-West News Desk

CINCINNATI, OH – Vivek Ramaswamy holds the edge among Ohio Republicans in the 2026 governor’s race, but a new poll suggests his likely general election matchup with Democrat Amy Acton remains a statistical tie.

An August 5 survey by Impact Research found Ramaswamy leading Acton by just one point, 47 percent to 46 percent, with 7 percent of voters undecided. Acton, a former Ohio health director, was ahead by eight points among independents, 48 percent to 40 percent, according to the same poll. The results indicate what pollsters described as an “incredibly competitive race.”

Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and 2024 Republican presidential contender, has strong backing from the Ohio GOP and President Donald Trump. Political observers and various media outlets are speculating that Ramaswamy’s close alignment with Trump could be tested if trade tariffs remain a top economic issue in the coming months.

Past polling has shown the contest within the margin of error. In February, an Ohio Public Policy Polling survey found Acton leading Ramaswamy 45 percent to 44 percent, with both enjoying net positive favorability ratings but a larger share of voters still unfamiliar with Acton. That poll also found that by nearly three-to-one, voters trusted a medical doctor more than a billionaire biotech executive on health care issues.

The Ohio gubernatorial election will be held November 3.