Politics, Parties, Candidates
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Mich. Democratic Party: SD-35 Results Signal Looming Disaster for Duggan and GOP
LANSING, Michigan, May 7 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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SD-35 Results Signal Looming Disaster for Duggan and GOP
Last night's 19-point victory for Democratic candidate Chedrick Greene in the 35th Senate District special election is a "direct sign of momentum" for Michigan Democrats, a huge warning sign for the Republican candidates for governor, and a looming disaster for MAGA-funded candidate Mike Duggan, who has staked his campaign on cowering to Donald Trump and spewing right-wing talking points about Michigan Democrats.
After yesterday's
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, May 7 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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SD-35 Results Signal Looming Disaster for Duggan and GOP
Last night's 19-point victory for Democratic candidate Chedrick Greene in the 35th Senate District special election is a "direct sign of momentum" for Michigan Democrats, a huge warning sign for the Republican candidates for governor, and a looming disaster for MAGA-funded candidate Mike Duggan, who has staked his campaign on cowering to Donald Trump and spewing right-wing talking points about Michigan Democrats.
After yesterday'sresults, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel released the following statement:
"Michigan Democrats are fired up and ready to win--just look at last night's double-digit margin in a bellwether district for more proof. Across SD-35, voters turned out in historic fashion and overwhelmingly backed Democrat Chedrick Greene because he's laser-focused on lowering costs and delivering for working people.
"As we look ahead to November, these results and the historic Democratic turnout are a flashing red light for Mike Duggan, John James, and Perry Johnson in the race for governor.
"While Donald Trump and Republicans make life more expensive, Duggan has centered his campaign on spewing right-wing talking points about Michigan Democrats, tied himself to harmful positions like defending Trump's Medicaid cuts, and cowered on Trump's harmful policies that will define the governor's race this fall.
"Let's be perfectly clear: Mike Duggan has no path to victory. His campaign is a self-serving ego trip that has not gained any traction among voters and a multi-million dollar ad blitz has not moved his numbers. As Duggan languishes in last place, Democrats are energized and momentum is on our side.
"Meanwhile, John James and Perry Johnson both campaigned heavily in SD-35, with James peddling 2020 election conspiracy theories while on the trail and both candidates standing by Trump's cost-raising agenda. Their efforts failed.
"This November, Michigan Democrats will win the race for governor because our Democratic nominee will be on the side of working families when it comes to lowering costs, improving education, expanding healthcare, and standing up to the GOP-led chaos in DC."
BACKGROUND
* DUGGAN ON ROAD TO NOWHERE: Duggan has alienated himself from key sectors of the electorate and struggled to gain traction among voters, with polling consistently showing him in a distant third place. Duggan's wealthy allies have desperately spent at least $11 million in recent months attempting to boost his campaign, but their efforts have fallen flat.
- Polling has consistently shown Duggan with no movement and still in a distant last place, and a recent poll from Michigan State University even showed Duggan struggling mightily in regions across the state, including in the Tri-Cities area where last night's special election occurred.
- Duggan's campaign strategy has left many "scratching their heads" as he's been "echoing conservative rhetoric," launched one-sided attacks towards Democrats, and even complained about Rick Snyder's harmful policies being repealed. Duggan has defended Trump's cuts to Medicaid and deflected questions about Trump's toxic tax law while his campaign is being funded by MAGA donors and prominent Republicans.
* GOP CANDIDATES STAND BEHIND TRUMP: As gas prices are rising and grocery prices are up, the Republican candidates for governor have been standing behind Donald Trump's harmful agenda and deeply unpopular policies.
- John James said recently that "President Trump's on the right track" when asked about rising gas prices. James has voted to protect Trump's cost-raising tariffs, voted for Trump's price-hiking tax law that cut Medicaid and failed to extend the ACA tax credits, and also voted against a bipartisan bill that would've extended the ACA tax credits.
- Perry Johnson has praised Trump's tax law and called it "a win for America and a big win for Michigan," even as it's caused prices to rise and gutted Medicaid. Johnson is also blitzing the airwaves with ads featuring pictures of him and Trump.
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Original text here: https://michigandems.com/sd-35-results-signal-looming-disaster-for-duggan-and-gop/
Mich. Democratic Party: Mike Rogers' Callous Comments on Gas Prices "Spooked" DC Republicans "Concerned With Holding On to Their Senate Majority"
LANSING, Michigan, May 7 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Mike Rogers' Callous Comments on Gas Prices "Spooked" DC Republicans "Concerned with Holding On to Their Senate Majority"
According to new reporting from The Bulwark, Mike Rogers' comments dismissing and downplaying the skyrocketing gas prices in Michigan has left DC Republicans "concerned" that rising prices at the gas pump could cost them their Senate majority.
During a campaign event in March, Rogers told a Michigander concerned about rising gas prices "We're gonna be fine,
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, May 7 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Mike Rogers' Callous Comments on Gas Prices "Spooked" DC Republicans "Concerned with Holding On to Their Senate Majority"
According to new reporting from The Bulwark, Mike Rogers' comments dismissing and downplaying the skyrocketing gas prices in Michigan has left DC Republicans "concerned" that rising prices at the gas pump could cost them their Senate majority.
During a campaign event in March, Rogers told a Michigander concerned about rising gas prices "We're gonna be fine,we got plenty of oil." Last Thursday, Rogers addressed the issue again, finally acknowledging that "high prices of anything hurt people in Michigan," but argued that "most Americans are there" with him and believe the higher prices are worth it.
As The Bulwark points out, Rogers sang a different tune in 2024, when he said "I'm not sure we can survive $3.99 a gallon going forward." Now, with gas prices nearing $5 a gallon in Michigan under Trump, Rogers says Michiganders are "fine" paying more.
Read more:
The Bulwark (https://www.thebulwark.com/p/as-gas-prices-go-up-senate-gop-candidates): As Gas Prices Go Up, Senate GOP Candidates Pipe Down
* At the onset of the Trump administration's unilateral military action (war) against Iran, gas prices in the United States skyrocketed, which immediately spooked Republicans concerned with holding on to their Senate majority. In the two months since the opening of hostilities, prices have fluctuated in some states while continuing to climb in others, with those around the Great Lakes seeing particularly challenging increases.
* "We're gonna be fine, we got plenty of oil," Mike Rogers, a Republican candidate for Senate in Michigan, said in March. "You'll get your oil, because we're going to pump our oil right here in America, and we got plenty."
* Six weeks later, though, GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan reported gas prices leaping upward in several middle-American states. In Rogers's Michigan, they went up 88 cents. In Ohio, they climbed 94 cents. In Wisconsin, 33 cents. And in Indiana, prices grew by a calamitous dollar and nine cents.
* On Thursday, Rogers addressed the issue once again. When Newsmax host Ed Henry asked the candidate, "Are you nervous . . . about these stubbornly high gas prices?" Rogers finally acknowledged the reality of higher costs at the pump:
* "Listen, high prices of anything hurt people in Michigan. . . . Iran is about stopping their nuclear program, stopping their ballistic missile program so they can't hurt others. I think most Americans are there [...]"
* Well, Rogers sure doesn't trust Democrats on affordability, at least. That might be why he framed the situation so differently when gas prices surged to four dollars per gallon during the Joe Biden administration.
* "I'm not sure we can survive $3.99 a gallon going forward," Rogers said in a 2024 video campaigning against Democrat Elissa Slotkin.
* The national average price per gallon now sits at just under $4.50 per gallon, according to AAA. In Rogers's Michigan, it's over $4.80 per gallon.
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Original text here: https://michigandems.com/new-mike-rogers-callous-comments-on-gas-prices-spooked-dc-republicans-concerned-with-holding-on-to-their-senate-majority-the-bulwark/
ICYMI: Angela Rigas Posts Shameful Comments About Chedrick Greene's Military Service After SD-35 Victory
LANSING, Michigan, May 7 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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ICYMI: Angela Rigas Posts Shameful Comments About Chedrick Greene's Military Service After SD-35 Victory
In the wake of State Senator-elect Chedrick Greene's landslide victory in SD-35, Republican State Rep. Angela Rigas took to Facebook in a lazy attempt to distract from their embarrassing loss. Michigan Advance reported that Rigas "commented on Facebook in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 'It's weird to me that one could serve our country and be a democrat.' She then liked
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, May 7 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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ICYMI: Angela Rigas Posts Shameful Comments About Chedrick Greene's Military Service After SD-35 Victory
In the wake of State Senator-elect Chedrick Greene's landslide victory in SD-35, Republican State Rep. Angela Rigas took to Facebook in a lazy attempt to distract from their embarrassing loss. Michigan Advance reported that Rigas "commented on Facebook in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 'It's weird to me that one could serve our country and be a democrat.' She then likeda reply to that comment which reads, 'Or claim to be Christian and be demoncrat.'"
"Senator-elect Chedrick Greene is a decorated Marine veteran who served our country for 30 years. He ran for the State Senate to make life more affordable for working families and stand up to Republican chaos," said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Leah Leszczynski. "Based on last night's double-digit margin, we think it would be wise for Rep. Rigas and Republicans to spend more time focusing on delivering for working Michiganders and less time sowing division on the internet."
Rigas did not respond to requests for comment from Michigan Advance. Previously, Rigas called attending the January 6th insurrection a "highlight" of her life.
Read more below.
Michigan Advance (https://michiganadvance.com/briefs/gop-lawmakers-comments-on-democratic-senator-elects-military-background-draw-scrutiny/): GOP lawmaker's comments on Democratic senator-elect's military background draw scrutiny
* As Republicans around the state grapple with the fallout of a 20-point loss in Tuesday's special election for the 35th Michigan Senate District, one GOP lawmaker specifically took to Facebook to question how state Sen.-elect Chedrick Greene, a U.S. Marine veteran, could maintain his values and run as a Democrat.
* Rep. Angela Rigas (R-Alto) commented on Facebook in the early hours of Wednesday morning, "It's weird to me that one could serve our country and be a democrat."
* She then liked a reply to that comment which reads, "Or claim to be Christian and be demoncrat."
* Rigas did not respond to requests for further comment on her statements. But Democrats quickly criticized her characterization of Greene's background.
* "Senator-elect Chedrick Greene is a decorated Marine veteran who served our country for 30 years," Leah Leszczynski, press secretary for the Michigan Democratic Party, said in a statement to the Michigan Advance. "He ran for the State Senate to make life more affordable for working families and stand up to Republican chaos. Based on last night's double-digit margin, we think it would be wise for Rep. Rigas and Republicans to spend more time focusing on delivering for working Michiganders and less time sowing division on the internet."
* Greene's 30-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, during which he rose to the rank of Sergeant Major, included multiple overseas deployments including during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Original text here: https://michigandems.com/icymi-angela-rigas-posts-shameful-comments-about-chedrick-greenes-military-service-after-sd-35-victory/
DNC: Michigan Democrat Clinches Victory in State Senate Special Election, Protecting Democrats' Senate Majority
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
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Michigan Democrat Clinches Victory in State Senate Special Election, Protecting Democrats' Senate Majority
The DNC congratulates Michigan Democrat Chedrick Greene on his victory in the special election for SD35. Thanks to Greene's victory, Democrats in the Michigan state Senate will maintain their majority -- providing a firewall against the Michigan GOP's extreme attacks and allowing Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Democrats in the Michigan Legislature to continue delivering for Michigan's working
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
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Michigan Democrat Clinches Victory in State Senate Special Election, Protecting Democrats' Senate Majority
The DNC congratulates Michigan Democrat Chedrick Greene on his victory in the special election for SD35. Thanks to Greene's victory, Democrats in the Michigan state Senate will maintain their majority -- providing a firewall against the Michigan GOP's extreme attacks and allowing Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Democrats in the Michigan Legislature to continue delivering for Michigan's workingfamilies.
This win is the latest in a string of Democratic overperformances and victories since Trump retook office -- with Greene clinching victory with an overperformance of nearly 18 points. Democrats have now won or overperformed in 266 of 297 key elections and continue to build on strong momentum heading into the midterms.
In response to Greene's victory, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:
"Chedrick Greene has devoted his entire career to serving others -- first as a decorated sergeant major in the U.S Marine Corps Reserve and then as a fire captain in his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan. Now, as the next state senator for SD35, he will continue his proven track record as a fighter for working families. Michiganders put their trust in Senator-elect Greene, and his victory is further proof that Democrats have momentum and a positive vision for the future, while Republicans keep making excuses for Donald Trump's higher costs and endless chaos."
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/michigan-democrat-clinches-victory-in-state-senate-special-election-protecting-democrats-senate-majority/
DNC: Lutnick Testifies to Congress About His Close Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Lutnick Testifies to Congress About His Close Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Lutnick continued to evade lawmakers' questions about his relationship with Epstein during the closed-door deposition
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Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick testified today before the House Oversight Committee about his personal relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During the closed-door deposition -- which is part of the House Oversight Committee's ongoing investigation into the Trump administration's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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Lutnick Testifies to Congress About His Close Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Lutnick continued to evade lawmakers' questions about his relationship with Epstein during the closed-door deposition
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Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick testified today before the House Oversight Committee about his personal relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During the closed-door deposition -- which is part of the House Oversight Committee's ongoing investigation into the Trump administration'shandling of the Epstein files -- lawmakers said that Lutnick's testimony was full of lies, distortions, and evasions about his relationship with Epstein. Lutnick reportedly claimed he could remember nothing about his visit to Epstein's island, and refused to answer if he had spoken to Donald Trump about his testimony.
REMINDER: Lutnick has previously lied about the extent of his relationship with Epstein, claiming that he cut off all contact with Epstein in 2005 and saying he was "never in the room with him" after that. However, the files revealed that Lutnick emailed with Epstein after he said he cut off contact and met with him multiple times in the years following, including traveling to Epstein's private island in 2012. Both Democrats and Republicans have called for Lutnick's resignation over his connections to Epstein.
In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
"Howard Lutnick has already lied about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein -- and it seems like there's more he's still not being honest about. Despite their claims, it's clear that Lutnick and Donald Trump were friends with Epstein -- so it's no wonder the Trump administration spent months stonewalling the release of the Epstein files. Instead of hiding behind closed doors and blocking the full release of the files, Trump, Lutnick, and the rest of this administration owe the American people transparency and accountability."
There are still up to 3 million pages of the Epstein files that have not been released, and an investigation found that Trump's Department of Justice withheld some of the Epstein files related to serious allegations about Trump. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was fired by Trump last month, reportedly in part because of her handling of the Epstein files, is also set to appear in front of the House Oversight Committee over her mishandling of the files.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/lutnick-testifies-to-congress-about-his-close-ties-to-jeffrey-epstein/
DNC: Breaking - Gas Prices Surpass $4.50 Per Gallon, Up 30 Cents in One Week
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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BREAKING: Gas Prices Surpass $4.50 Per Gallon, Up 30 Cents in One Week
Americans have shelled out nearly $18 billion for gas since Trump's war started
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According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline surpassed $4.50, up 30 cents in just one week and a 50% increase since Donald Trump started his unpopular war of choice with Iran over two months ago. Diesel prices currently stand at a whopping $5.67 per gallon. Nearly 80% of Americans feel that high gas prices
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on May 6, 2026:
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BREAKING: Gas Prices Surpass $4.50 Per Gallon, Up 30 Cents in One Week
Americans have shelled out nearly $18 billion for gas since Trump's war started
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According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline surpassed $4.50, up 30 cents in just one week and a 50% increase since Donald Trump started his unpopular war of choice with Iran over two months ago. Diesel prices currently stand at a whopping $5.67 per gallon. Nearly 80% of Americans feel that high gas priceshave strained their budgets.
As Trump doubles down on his threats to continue bombing Iran, experts have warned that gas prices are likely to stay above $4.50 per gallon if the Strait of Hormuz does not fully open. Trump's own Secretary of Energy Chris Wright recently admitted gas prices might not return to pre-war levels until 2027. U.S. gasoline stockpiles are at their lowest level for this time of year since 2014, with economists predicting the potential for historic seasonal lows.
In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
"Over two months into Donald Trump's deadly and costly war with Iran, Americans are still seeing prices climb by the day as their budgets get stretched even thinner. Instead of lowering costs like he promised, at every turn, Trump has recklessly put his own interests first at the expense of everyday Americans. While working families struggle to afford higher prices under Trump, his priorities are clear: waging his war of choice, building his ballroom, and giving tax kickbacks to the wealthy and well-connected."
Trump and his administration officials have repeatedly dismissed Americans' concerns about high prices. Just yesterday, Trump said rising gas prices are "a very small price to pay" and falsely claimed earlier this week that prices are "going down very rapidly." Secretary of State Marco Rubio similarly downplayed the pain Americans are feeling at the pump, saying yesterday that the U.S. has been "insulated to some degree" from high gas prices. And this morning, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett admitted that Americans "are spending more on gasoline."
Meanwhile, the war has already cost taxpayers at least $25 billion -- without accounting for costs of damage repairs, which brings estimates closer to $40-50 billion. It's no wonder Americans overwhelmingly disapprove of Trump's handling of the war: A new poll today found that more than 60% of Americans -- including more than 1-in-5 Republicans disapprove of Trump's handling of the war -- up six points from March.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/breaking-gas-prices-surpass-4-50-per-gallon-up-30-cents-in-one-week/
DGA: Roundup - Dr. Amy Acton Wins Democratic Nomination as OH GOV Emerges as "A More Competitive Race Than Expected"
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news on May 6, 2026:
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ROUNDUP: Dr. Amy Acton Wins Democratic Nomination as OH GOV Emerges as "A More Competitive Race Than Expected"
With Ohio's race for governor officially set between Dr. Amy Acton and failed presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, independent political observers are noting that the battle for this open seat is shaping up as "a more competitive race than expected."
Dr. Acton has raised more money than any Democrat ever to run for governor in Ohio and has maintained an unwavering focus on making
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news on May 6, 2026:
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ROUNDUP: Dr. Amy Acton Wins Democratic Nomination as OH GOV Emerges as "A More Competitive Race Than Expected"
With Ohio's race for governor officially set between Dr. Amy Acton and failed presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, independent political observers are noting that the battle for this open seat is shaping up as "a more competitive race than expected."
Dr. Acton has raised more money than any Democrat ever to run for governor in Ohio and has maintained an unwavering focus on makinglife more affordable. Meanwhile, Ramaswamy continues to face backlash for calling Medicare and Medicaid "mistakes," for his extreme plan to shutter public colleges and universities, and for pushing a tax scam that would send the sales tax soaring, which even Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said would be "absolutely devastating."
Here's what Ohioans are seeing and reading about Dr. Acton's growing momentum:
MS NOW:
"'Medicaid and Medicare are mistakes' when we have 11 rural hospitals on the verge of collapse and people going an hour to an hour and 15 minutes just to deliver a baby. We actually have babies being born roadside. [Ramaswamy] says things like 'People are struggling because they're lazy and mediocre and not working hard enough,' and that is absolutely not the Ohioans I know".
Signal Ohio:
* Acton's fundraising has improved over time, even exceeding Ramaswamy's in the first several months of 2026, Ramaswamy boosted his campaign with a $25 million personal check last month while his affiliated super political action committee, which can raise and spend unlimited money, has amassed $23 million more.
* Acton's improved fundraising has coincided with Democrats coming to believe they actually can win the governor's race in Ohio. Doing so would require them to buck history - Republicans have occupied the governor's mansion for all but four years since 1991.
Ohio Capital Journal:
* Acton is breaking Democratic fundraising records in Ohio; according to pre-primary reports her campaign has cleared $10 million.
* Acton, who didn't have a primary challenger, described herself as a "scrappy kid from Youngstown" in a speech to supporters Tuesday night. She drew comparisons between her own struggles as a child facing homelessness and the challenges Ohioans today face in making ends meet.
* "I am running for governor because people in this state are struggling," Acton said. "They are doing everything right. They're working harder than they ever have, but there is no more breathing room. They're struggling with the cost of everyday life, and I refuse to look the other way."
* And Acton needled her opponent for criss-crossing the state in a private jet.
* "When you are looking at a state from 30,000 feet, my opponent cannot possibly see the struggles and the stories that I'm hearing on the road," Acton said. "Vivek Ramaswamy isn't just out of touch. He is out for himself. That is what is happening here."
NBC News:
* Polls suggest a potentially close race between Acton and Ramaswamy in a state that has not elected a Democrat as governor in 20 years.
* She emphasizes that she grew up poor in Youngstown and lived a difficult childhood marked at times by hunger and homelessness. Acton does not have Ramaswamy's direct access to cash, though both raised about $5 million from donors in the first campaign finance reporting period of 2026.
Spectrum News:
* Democratic candidate Amy Acton and running mate David Pepper are one step closer to Ohio's governor and lieutenant governor's race this fall.
* Acton served alongside Republican Gov. Mike DeWine for months during his daily coronavirus briefings. She said people would stop her in the grocery store or at a restaurant to share their struggles, and she doesn't want to look away.
* She recently announced an affordability plan ahead of the election which aims to lower healthcare costs, reduce energy bills and give tax breaks to working families.
WSYX (Columbus):
* "I am running for governor because people in this state are struggling," Acton said. "It shouldn't be this hard."
* She said her focus moving ahead to November's General Election is on supporting families with a working families tax cut, addressing the affordability of housing, healthcare, and more, along with taking on political corruption.
* "When bad actors and special interests keep taking the state backward on every single measure, it is time for change," Acton said.
The Hill:
* ...observers have pointed to Ramaswamy's lack of elected experience and his provocative approach to campaigning as a potential drag on his bid -- giving Acton, a former Ohio health director who worked with DeWine during the COVID-19 pandemic, room for a more competitive race than expected.
* In a DDHQ polling average of the race, Ramaswamy was ahead by just two points before the primary, after Acton managed to take the lead for part of April.
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Original text here: https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/roundup-dr-amy-acton-wins-democratic-nomination-as-oh-gov-emerges-as-a-more-competitive-race-than-expected/
