AGP Executive Report

Ohio Election Day: Voters are choosing a governor and U.S. senator in two closely watched races: Democrat Amy Acton faces Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, while Republican Jon Husted battles Democrat Sherrod Brown. Polls close at 7:30 p.m.; results could reshape Ohio’s political landscape and influence control of Congress. Turnout and Issues: More than 1.7 million Ohioans voted early, a record for a midterm. Cost of living, data-center growth and voting rules have featured prominently, with voters also deciding a proposed photo-ID amendment. Campaign Spending: Ohio’s midterm races are part of a record-cost election, with spending statewide reported at $11.6 billion.

Ohio’s Election Day: Voters are choosing a governor, U.S. senator and members of Congress, with local data-center measures also on ballots in 18 communities. More than 1.7 million Ohioans voted early, topping the 2022 midterm total. Key Races: A final Siena poll put Democrat Amy Acton ahead of Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, 49% to 43%, and Sherrod Brown ahead of incumbent Jon Husted, 49% to 44%; the poll’s margin of error was 4.4 points. Voter Concerns: Affordability is central, alongside housing, health care and public safety. Data centers have also emerged as a campaign issue amid concerns over electricity use and local impacts. Congressional Balance: Nationwide, Democrats are favored to win the House, while control of the Senate remains uncertain. A shift in either chamber could constrain President Donald Trump’s agenda and increase scrutiny of his administration.

Election Eve: More than 1.7 million Ohioans have voted early, topping the 2022 midterm total. Polls open Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; voters can check their assigned location through the Ohio Secretary of State’s voter lookup. Ohio Races: Democrat Sherrod Brown holds a narrow lead over Republican Jon Husted in a closely watched Senate contest that could help decide control of Congress. The governor’s race between Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is also drawing national attention. Data Center Debate: Voters in 18 Ohio communities will decide measures affecting data center development, as concerns grow over electricity demand, farmland and local impacts. An Ohio State study warns that rising data center power needs could put particular pressure on the state. Columbus Business: Yellow Springs Brewery plans to close its Clintonville taproom on Dec. 23, while its original Yellow Springs location will remain open.

Ohio Governor’s Race: Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy are making affordability a final-day pitch, with data centers, property taxes and the opioid crisis among the issues shaping their competing visions. Senate Stakes: Polls put Sherrod Brown ahead of Republican Jon Husted, while Democrats also lead among Ohio’s independent voters; the closely watched race could help decide control of the Senate. Data Center Backlash: Voters in 18 Ohio communities will weigh 21 measures on data center projects, a sign of growing resistance to the industry’s rapid expansion. At the Polls: Ohio’s early-vote total has already surpassed the 2022 midterm count, with Election Day set for Tuesday.

Ohio Senate: Democrat Sherrod Brown holds a narrow polling lead over Republican incumbent Jon Husted in a race that could help decide control of the Senate. Governor’s Race: Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy are making final appeals around affordability, data centers and the opioid crisis; Ramaswamy’s controversial ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother is now off the air. Data Centers: A Texas-based property-rights group is organizing in Ohio to defend land sales for data center projects, as communities push back over concerns including noise, pollution and power costs. Election Spending: Ohio ranks among the top states for campaign spending, with an estimated $11 billion expected nationwide as parties compete for control of Congress.

Ohio Politics: With Election Day nearing, the governor’s race between Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton remains close, while Ohio’s costly Senate contest could help decide control of Congress. Early voting in the state has already surpassed past midterm totals. Data Center Debate: Voters in 18 Ohio communities are weighing data-center measures, amid concerns about power bills, water and pollution. In Piqua, residents are deciding whether to recall three commissioners who backed a project they say could bring jobs and revenue. Jobs and Investment: Two southwest Ohio projects are expected to add 117 jobs and more than $10 million in annual payroll. Buckeyes: Ohio State’s playoff hopes took a hit with a 30-18 loss to USC, leaving little room for error in the final stretch.

Election Watch: More than 1 million Ohioans have voted early, topping previous midterm totals, with voters heading to the polls Tuesday. The governor’s race has grown increasingly heated: Vivek Ramaswamy pulled an attack ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother, while Acton answered with a video of her own. Ohio Ballot Issues: Voters in 18 communities will decide 21 measures on data centers, as concerns about power bills, noise and pollution put the projects at the center of the campaign. State Issue 3 would add photo ID requirements to Ohio’s constitution. Key Races: The Ohio governor and U.S. Senate contests are among the close races that could shape control of Congress and the state’s direction. The governor candidates have clashed over affordability, data centers and the opioid crisis; Brown and Husted are battling amid heavy outside spending. Business: Gov. Mike DeWine announced 10 projects representing more than $2.2 billion in investment, while Dayton’s high-tech job growth points to demand for skilled workers.

Ohio’s Election: With Election Day approaching, early voting has already topped the previous midterm total. The governor’s race has focused on affordability, data centers and the opioid crisis, while voters in 18 communities will decide 21 data-center measures. Schools and Taxes: Clark County superintendents warn that eliminating property taxes without a replacement would be catastrophic for schools and local services, even as they agree families need tax relief. Health Care: Trumbull County commissioners have asked the state to intervene in Mercy Health’s planned December closure of maternity services at St. Joseph Warren Hospital, warning it could leave Medicaid patients without nearby care. Jobs and Investment: Gov. Mike DeWine announced 10 business projects representing more than $2.2 billion in investment across Ohio.

Early Voting: Nearly 1.5 million Ohioans had voted by Friday, topping early-vote totals from the 2018 and 2022 midterms. Governor’s Race: Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton are making final appeals, with affordability, data centers and the opioid crisis among voters’ concerns. Ramaswamy has pulled a controversial ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother after backlash. Data Center Dispute: Urbana voters will decide whether to bar future data centers as a proposed settlement over Thor Equities’ planned technology hub remains unresolved. Abortion Rights: A Hamilton County judge struck down remaining provisions of Ohio’s former six-week abortion ban, citing the state constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2023. Issue 3: Ohioans will also decide whether to add photo ID requirements to the state constitution, with possible new rules for mail voters.

Ohio Election Countdown: More than 1 million Ohioans have cast early ballots, as the Brown–Husted Senate contest and Acton–Ramaswamy governor’s race enter their final days. Ramaswamy’s ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother is off the air after drawing bipartisan criticism. Congressional Stakes: Ohio’s delegation could shift after Tuesday’s vote, with races including Marcy Kaptur’s reelection bid drawing attention. Cost and Care: Brown and Husted are sharply divided over Medicare and Social Security, major concerns for the state’s millions of seniors. Trumbull County officials are also pressing Mercy Health to reconsider closing St. Joseph Hospital’s labor and delivery unit. Business and Development: Data centers remain a flashpoint as Ohio communities weigh promised investment against concerns about power costs and nearby development. Ohio has opened a new round of TechCred applications to support workforce training.

Election 2026: Ohio’s governor race enters its final days with Vivek Ramaswamy promising property-tax investigations and major relief, while Amy Acton is campaigning on affordability, schools and lower utility bills. The fallout from Ramaswamy’s attack ad continues to shape the contest. Senate Battleground: Jon Husted and Sherrod Brown are locked in a close race, with third-party voters potentially tipping the outcome. Data Center Debate: Ohio is a national focal point for local pushback, with 21 ballot proposals addressing data center growth amid concerns over power, water and neighborhood impacts. Jobs and Skills: Preble County employment grew 1.2% year over year as Ohio and the Dayton region slipped; statewide TechCred applications, which help employers fund worker training, close at 3 p.m. Friday. Housing Pressure: Dayton remains a hot rental market, with about nine applicants for each available unit and limited construction keeping competition high.

Campaign Trail: President Trump’s Chillicothe rally for Sen. Jon Husted and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was interrupted by protesters challenging Trump over Jeffrey Epstein. Trump dismissed them as paid demonstrators, while backing Ramaswamy in Ohio’s closely watched governor’s race. Ohio Elections: The contest has drawn national attention after Ramaswamy’s attack ad against Democrat Amy Acton sparked backlash. Voters also face school levies and a proposed constitutional voter-ID requirement on the Nov. 3 ballot. Jobs and Investment: Electra plans to build aircraft in Springfield, promising 2,000 jobs; Gov. Mike DeWine and local leaders celebrated the investment. Data Center Debate: Ohio’s boom in data-center development is driving investment but fueling voter opposition over power costs, tax breaks and projects near homes.

Ohio Midterms: With Election Day a week away, Ohio’s Senate and governor’s races are drawing national attention. President Trump is returning to the state to campaign for Republicans as Sherrod Brown challenges Jon Husted and Amy Acton faces Vivek Ramaswamy. Voters will also decide whether to add voter ID requirements to the state constitution. Local Levies: Athens County school districts are seeking income-tax levies to shore up budgets, while the Athens City-County Health Department wants a single levy expected to raise about $1.52 million annually. Jobs and Investment: Electra plans an $850 million aircraft manufacturing facility in Clark County, with the company projecting up to 1,975 jobs. Energy and Development: An Ohio State study says the state is among a handful of hubs likely to absorb much of the growing electricity demand from data centers, intensifying debate over grid costs and new development. Wendy’s Bid: Dublin-based Wendy’s has received a $1.4 billion offer to go private as it faces falling sales, aging restaurants and tougher competition.

Midterm Watch: Ohio’s Nov. 3 races are drawing record attention: spending in the U.S. Senate contest has topped $500 million, with crypto-backed groups again targeting Sherrod Brown. Early voting is climbing as candidates make a final push. Data Center Debate: Opposition is spreading across party lines, with Ohio voters weighing local ballot measures and proposals to limit development amid concerns about land, power use and tax breaks. State Security: Ohio’s auditor says a cyberattack took its web server offline; officials suspect foreign state actors. Court Ruling: The Ohio Supreme Court rejected a final bid to revive claims for $900 million in pandemic unemployment checks, leaving any further action to the next governor. Workers and Businesses: Ohio’s minimum wage is set to rise to $11.40 in January, while businesses face a Nov. 1 deadline to report unclaimed funds.

East Palestine: The EPA inspector general will investigate the agency’s response to the 2023 derailment, after residents and Vice President JD Vance pressed for a review. The NTSB previously found the decision to burn vinyl chloride was unnecessary. State Cybersecurity: Ohio Auditor Keith Faber says overseas cybercriminals targeted his office’s web server. Officials report no sign personal or government financial data was exposed; the site and online accounts were taken offline during the investigation. Consumer Costs: Ohio joined 19 other states and the FTC in suing Dollar General, alleging years of shelf-price mismatches and overcharges. The retailer disputes the claims. Ohio Politics: With Election Day a week away, the governor’s race remains in the spotlight after Vivek Ramaswamy’s attack ad about Amy Acton’s family drew bipartisan backlash and shifted some race forecasts toward Acton. Early voting is surging across Ohio. Business: FirstEnergy reported higher third-quarter earnings and reaffirmed its 2026 outlook. Toledo-based Welltower closed $2.7 billion in acquisitions during the quarter as it expands its senior-living portfolio.

Governor’s Race: Vivek Ramaswamy’s attack ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother has drawn bipartisan backlash, and election analysts have shifted the race toward Acton. Election Watch: Ohio’s Nov. 3 Senate contest between Republican Jon Husted and Democrat Sherrod Brown remains highly competitive. Early voting is surging: Franklin County has already surpassed its total for the 2022 midterms, with a week to go. Data Centers: The issue is central in Ohio campaigns as residents question electricity costs and tax breaks. Columbus customers could face higher rates under a proposed charge for large power users, while Vienna Township extended its data-center moratorium for another 180 days. Jobs: A new Appalachian Ohio program is helping people in recovery train for manufacturing work, backed by a $3 million state grant. The coalition says it has already placed three participants in jobs.