Democrat Acton defeats GOP's Ramaswamy in Ohio governor's race, Abbott loses reelection in Texas

Texas GOP Gov. Gregg Abbot lost his reelection bid Tuesday night in a strong showing for Democrats in statewide and national races. 

The Associated Press called the race for Democrat challenger Gina Hinojosa, who becomes the state's first Latina governor. Texas GOP Senate candidate Ken Paxton lost his bid to keep the GOP-held seat held by retiring Sen. John Cornyn.

Earlier in the night, Ohio Democrat Amy Acton on Tuesday night defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the state's governor's race. 

The race, arguably the most contentious of the midterm cycle, also was called by the Associated Press.

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, the wire service also reports. 

Ramaswamy, a 2024 presidential candidate and biotech billionaire, was endorsed by President Donald Trump. His ad featuring Acton's estranged mother was widely criticized by Acton supporters and others.

Earlier in the night, Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds won his close gubernatorial race, becoming the state's first Black governor.

Donalds defeated former Republican Rep. David Jolly, in a race called by the Associated Press. He will replace term-limited GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Moments after Donalds was declared the winner, the wire service declared Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms the winner in her contest against Republican Rick Jackson. She becomes the state's first female and Black governor.

The seat was open because GOP Gov. Brian Kemp cannot run again because of term limits.

Bottoms is a former Atlanta mayor and was an adviser to former President Joe Biden.

In other gubernatorial races, New York Democrat Kathy Hochul and Connecticut Democrat Gov. Ned Lamont are projected to win reelection.