Democrat Amy Acton has won the election as governor of Ohio, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.

The victory by Acton, a physician who was Ohio's COVID-era health director, marks the first time since 2006 that a Democrat has been elected as governor.

Acton became a household name in 2020 as Ohio dealt with a wave of deaths, anxiety and social disruption at the start of the pandemic.

Although she is a Democrat, Acton worked closely with Republican Governor Mike DeWine during that time.

In a statement after her victory, she said Ohio chose "unity over hate."

"Ohio is ready for a governor who will fight to lower costs, take on corruption, and build a state where everyone gets a fair shot," she said.

Ramaswamy, a 2024 presidential candidate and biotech billionaire, ran with President Donald Trump's endorsement. The Associated Press declared Acton the winner at 10:49 p.m. EST.