Former Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan, Ohio, declined to enter the Democratic primary for the 2026 gubernatorial race in Ohio, setting up a likely match between Democratic candidate Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.

Ryan previously sought one of the state's Senate seats, but lost to now-Vice President JD Vance. His declination likely settles the Democratic nomination, with Acton near-certain to secure the party nod.

“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,” he said, according to Politico.

Ramaswamy, for his part, does not face a considerable challenger for the GOP nomination and has secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

The state has skewed increasingly Republican in recent electoral cycles.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.