Cook Political Report shifts Ohio governor race to Leans Democrat

The election forecaster Cook Political Report shifted its rating for the Ohio gubernatorial race from a toss-up to Leans Democrat on Friday. The Washington Examiner, the Washington Post, and the Cook Political Report all reported the shift, which favors Democratic candidate Amy Acton over Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. [1][2][8][9]

The decision follows a week of strong backlash over a campaign advertisement released by Ramaswamy. The Washington Examiner reported that the controversy centered around an ad featuring Acton's estranged mother, Donna Stearns Arthur, who criticized her daughter's candidacy. [1][14]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urged Ramaswamy to pull the advertisement from the airwaves. Forbes previously reported that Ramaswamy's campaign planned to spend four million dollars to broadcast the spot, and Ramaswamy defended the ad despite widespread criticism. [14]

The shift in Ohio comes alongside changes in federal election forecasts. The Washington Examiner, the Washington Post, and The Hill all reported that the Cook Political Report moved 19 additional House of Representatives races in favor of Democrats on Friday. [5][6][7]