Ohio voters head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to elect a new governor in a closely watched race that could shape state policy on taxes, health care and education for the next four years.

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who currently holds the office, is not on the ballot because he is term-limited after two consecutive terms.

The three major-party candidates are Democrat Amy Acton, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Libertarian Don Kissick. Their running mates are David Pepper, Robert A. McColley and James L. Mills, respectively.

The Ohio Secretary of State's office says polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Voters must cast ballots at their designated precinct polling place.

Early voting surpasses 2022 totals

More than 1.7 million Ohioans cast ballots before Election Day, surpassing the early-voting total from the 2022 midterm election by 17%, according to the Ohio Capital Journal's Nov. 2 report.

The total includes early in-person voting and absentee ballots returned by mail or drop box.

The Columbus Dispatch identified the governor's contest as one of several key Ohio races to watch in the 2026 midterms. Voters will also decide a U.S. Senate race and U.S. House contests.

Election results

Polls closed at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. According to AP's midterm election live updates, results are beginning to roll into the AP's election system. The AP has not yet declared a winner in the Ohio governor's race.

The AP listed the Ohio gubernatorial race and Ohio's U.S. Senate contest among the key races to watch as votes are counted.

Election-night results are unofficial. The Ohio Secretary of State will publish unofficial statewide returns as counties report them. Official results will follow after election officials complete the canvass and certification process.

Governor / Lieutenant governor ticket

Party

Votes

Percentage

Amy Acton / David Pepper

Democratic

Pending

Pending

Vivek Ramaswamy / Robert A. McColley

Republican

Pending

Pending

Don Kissick / James L. Mills

Libertarian

Pending

Pending

This table will be updated with verified vote totals as they become available. All election-night totals are unofficial.

No winner will be declared here unless the Associated Press issues an official election call. If AP calls the race, the result will be attributed accordingly.

Official results: Ohio Secretary of State – Live Election Results

Check back for election results and updates as votes are counted.