Cook Political Report shifts Ohio governor's race from toss-up to lean Democrat

A controversial campaign ad has upended a tight Ohio gubernatorial race, prompting the Cook Political Report to adjust its outlook in favor of the Democratic candidate. The nonpartisan forecaster has shifted the contest from an even "toss up" to a "lean Democrat," reflecting growing uncertainty for the Republican nominee. The move comes as the ad has sparked debate and reshaped voter perceptions in the closely watched election. Analysts will now be watching how both campaigns respond to the fallout.

The Cook Political Report is shifting a closely watched gubernatorial contest toward Democrats after a controversial campaign ad shook up the race. The nonpartisan election forecaster moved the governor’s race in Ohio from “toss up” to “lean Democrat,” now favoring Amy Acton (D) to beat Vivek Ramaswamy (R) in the Buckeye State. The race was...