By Trendsetter Tribune 
A new Ohio poll shows Amy Acton closing in on Vivek Ramaswamy as women and young voters shift fast, turning the 2026 governor race into a nail-biter.
Ohio’s 2026 governor’s race just turned into a jaw-dropping showdown.
A December Emerson College poll reveals Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy are virtually tied, signaling a fiercely competitive campaign ahead.
According to the poll, Acton sits at 46%, while Ramaswamy is at 45%, with 9% still undecided — a group that could tilt the race overnight.
What makes the shift even more stunning is the trend line. Since August:
- ✅ Acton gained 7 points
- ❌ Ramaswamy lost 4 points
Women Flip — And It Changes Everything
Emerson’s director Spencer Kimball explained that women voters are driving the turnaround.
Back in August, women were nearly split. Now?
- Women favor Acton 56% to 37%
- Men still back Ramaswamy 55% to 35%
This swing among women — especially suburban and younger voters — is reshaping the entire landscape.
Young Voters Could Decide the Race
The poll also shows that many Ohio voters under 30 didn’t vote in 2024, but identify more as Republicans.
That means turnout — not just preference — may decide the final outcome.
What Ohio Voters Care About Most
Respondents listed their top concerns as:
- The economy
- Threats to democracy
- Health care
- Housing
- Immigration
Both campaigns now face pressure to deliver convincing answers — fast.