Min. Dale Edwards Executive Director, Call & Post | Vice President, Southern Christian Leadership Conference & Maverick Edwards, Chief Political Advisor

Ohio has spoken, and the political establishment will never look at this state the same way again!

In a stunning political breakthrough, Dr. Amy Acton has defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to become Ohio’s first woman governor and the first Democrat elected to the governor’s office in 20 years. This was more than an election victory. It was a declaration that Ohioans are ready for a different kind of leadership, a different direction and a government that remembers the people it serves. 

And let me say this personally: Amy Acton, you did not simply win an election. You broke through a political wall that many believed could not be moved.

You were underestimated. You were attacked. You were challenged by enormous financial resources and a campaign that tested your character. Yet you stood your ground. You refused to allow your personal history to become your political defeat. You turned adversity into determination and gave Ohio a reason to believe again.

That is leadership!

SHERROD BROWN RETURNS — OHIO SENDS ANOTHER MESSAGE!

The victory of Dr. Acton was accompanied by another major political earthquake: former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is returning to the United States Senate, defeating Republican incumbent Jon Husted.

Brown’s comeback is particularly significant. After losing his Senate seat in 2024, he returned to the political battlefield and convinced Ohio voters that his fight for working families, organized labor, affordable healthcare and economic fairness was not over.

His victory sends a message that Ohio voters are demanding accountability and representation in Washington. 

ALLISON RUSSO MAKES HISTORY!

Democrat Allison Russo also captured the Ohio Secretary of State’s office after Republican Robert Sprague conceded.

Her victory is especially important because the Secretary of State oversees elections throughout Ohio’s 88 counties. For the first time in more than a decade, Democrats will hold this critical statewide office. 

And with David Pepper joining Acton as lieutenant governor, Democrats have made a historic return to Ohio’s executive leadership. 

BLACK VOTERS AND WORKING FAMILIES MUST BE HEARD

For Black Ohioans, this election carries enormous significance.

Black voters, clergy, community organizations, labor supporters, young voters and working families understand that elections are about more than campaign speeches. They are about jobs, housing, healthcare, education, public safety, economic opportunity and whether government sees their communities.

The Democratic victories, including those of Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Congresswoman Emilia Sykes and other Democratic candidates, demonstrate the importance of organizing and turning out the vote.

But we must also be honest: Democrats did not win every statewide contest. Republicans retained several important offices, and Ohio’s legislature remains under Republican control. That means the work of building coalitions and delivering results has only begun.

AMY ACTON: NOW THE REAL WORK BEGINS!

Dr. Acton must understand that the people who helped make this historic victory possible are expecting more than a change in political parties. They are expecting a change in people’s lives.

I personally believe her greatest opportunity is to build a meaningful relationship with Ohio’s Black communities, its churches, its small businesses and its community institutions.

She must make sure Black neighborhoods are not forgotten when decisions are made about economic development, state contracts, education, healthcare and jobs.

She must listen to the pastors, the grassroots organizers, the young people and the families who are struggling to make ends meet.

And she must remember that the voters who helped put her in the governor’s mansion deserve a seat at the table.

Winning the election was historic. Governing for ALL Ohioans will determine her legacy.

A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO GOVERNOR-ELECT AMY ACTON

Amy, congratulations!

As a minister, publisher, broadcaster and community advocate, I have witnessed political victories and disappointments throughout my years of public service.

But there are moments when history changes direction.

This is one of those moments.

You have an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate that compassion is not weakness, that courage is not measured by political power and that public service must always put people first.

I encourage you to surround yourself with people who understand the struggles of ordinary Ohioans. Keep your promises. Keep your ears open. Keep your heart connected to the communities that need government to work for them.

Ohio has given you an extraordinary responsibility.

Now, Dr. Acton, go make history in the lives of the people who elected you!

The people have spoken. The political landscape has changed. And Ohio has a new opportunity to lead.

THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND EQUALITY CONTINUES!

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