Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan announced Friday that he will not run for Ohio governor in 2026, a decision that removes the most significant obstacle to former state health director Dr. Amy Acton securing her party’s nomination.

According to The Associated Press, Ryan, 52, had been weighing a bid after both Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown and Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel — his former college football coach and longtime mentor — ruled out campaigns of their own.

The 10-term congressman was viewed as a top contender, boosted by statewide name recognition from his 2022 Senate run against now–Vice President JD Vance.

“After careful consideration, much prayer and reflection, and after long conversations with my family, my closest friends and advisors, I’ve made the decision not to run for governor in 2026,” Ryan said in a statement.

Ryan’s exit gives Acton a clearer path. The 59-year-old, who became widely known for her role in leading Ohio’s COVID-19 response under Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, has been traveling the state since launching her campaign in January. In her response to Ryan’s announcement, Acton sharpened her criticism of GOP frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy.

“While the special interests that run our state are doing just fine, they’ve made a mess for the rest of US, and I will not allow a billionaire Washington insider like Vivek Ramaswamy take US down an even worse path,” she said. “I’m running for governor because it’s time for a change. Together, we can lower costs, give Ohioans a little breathing room, and build the Ohio we all deserve.”

Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former co-chair of President Donald Trump’s DOGE initiative, quickly consolidated Republican support after entering the race in February. His rise forced Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost out of the primary and deterred a potential bid from Tressel, who had been widely viewed as a top contender.

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DeWine also bolstered Ramaswamy’s prospects by appointing then–Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to Vance’s vacated Senate seat, removing another likely challenger.

By August, Ramaswamy reported a substantial fundraising edge, raising $9.7 million compared to Acton’s $1.35 million.

The two candidates are aiming to succeed DeWine, 78, who is term-limited. Acton and DeWine worked closely during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, holding daily briefings that drew large audiences.

Acton became the face of several aggressive mitigation measures, including the cancellation of Ohio’s 2020 presidential primary and statewide shutdowns of gyms and fitness centers — actions a judge later described as “oppressive.”

Those decisions polarized Ohioans, generating backlash from some while earning strong support from others and drawing comparisons to early pandemic responses in other states.

Ohio Democratic Party spokesperson Katie Seewer said Ryan’s decision provides clarity for the party moving forward. She said Democrats are “energized” and ready to rally behind Acton as the general election approaches.