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Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy battle for Ohio governor

The candidates offer sharply different visions for Ohio's future as campaign spending approaches nine figures.

Politics

Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/14/obama-trump-ohio-midterm-rallies" data-vars-content-id="e0ef10ea-d14c-46a1-a96c-9b9d8576eaf1" data-vars-headline="Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy battle for Ohio governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/14/obama-trump-ohio-midterm-rallies" target="_self">race for governor</a> has become a slugfest — a fiercely contested, wildly expensive showdown between Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton, the state&#x27;s former health director.Why it matters: The election will determine whether Ohio continues its run of Republican leadership or elects a Democrat for the first time since Ted Strickland in 2006.

All-star Gram Parsons tribute set for L.A. ahead of Rock Hall inductions

Parsons will be inducted in the Musical Influence category Nov. 14 at L.A.'s Peacock Theater.

Music

Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame inductees in secondary categories don&#x27;t always get their due, but one will get his flowers ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this year&#x27;s ceremony" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/2026-rock-hall-inductees-iron-maiden-wu-tang" data-vars-content-id="377911b8-967c-49fd-b413-10fc4adce03c" data-vars-headline="All-star Gram Parsons tribute set for L.A. ahead of Rock Hall inductions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/2026-rock-hall-inductees-iron-maiden-wu-tang" target="_self">this year&#x27;s ceremony</a>.State of play: Late country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons will receive an all-star tribute Nov. 11 at Los Angeles&#x27; legendary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Troubadour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axs.com/events/1669454/a-song-for-gram-tickets?hash=6XDWxfoAzdqSa_nuklhhIflgdqcftjQ8TPPoHEx2f9Y" data-vars-content-id="377911b8-967c-49fd-b413-10fc4adce03c" data-vars-headline="All-star Gram Parsons tribute set for L.A. ahead of Rock Hall inductions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axs.com/events/1669454/a-song-for-gram-tickets?hash=6XDWxfoAzdqSa_nuklhhIflgdqcftjQ8TPPoHEx2f9Y" target="_blank">Troubadour</a>.

Cleveland Zoo announces new Primate Forest opening date

The former Rainforest has been transformed, and opens to the public Thursday.

Things to Do

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo&#x27;s new Primate Forest opens to the public Thursday, Oct. 22, at noon.Why it matters: The opening has been long in the works. It&#x27;s the first phase of the zoo&#x27;s largest capital improvement project, transforming the former Rainforest into a 140,000-square-foot indoor destination.

Nestlé to close Solon factory by end of 2027

The food giant is moving production to South Carolina, but larger Solon campus and other Northeast Ohio facilities will remain open.

Business

Nestlé plans to shutter its Solon manufacturing plant by the end of 2027, transferring production to South Carolina.Why it matters: The factory has been part of Nestlé&#x27;s Northeast Ohio operations for decades and its closure will mean job losses, though the number of affected workers remains unclear.

Obama returns to Cleveland amid tight races, Ramaswamy ad controversy

Obama's appearance comes just 10 days before the Nov. 3 election.

Former President Barack Obama <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="visits Cleveland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/14/obama-trump-ohio-midterm-rallies" data-vars-content-id="e22b9888-fbaa-4758-82ce-37fa1eaf5a7d" data-vars-headline="Obama returns to Cleveland amid tight races, Ramaswamy ad controversy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/14/obama-trump-ohio-midterm-rallies" target="_self">visits Cleveland</a> on Saturday to boost Ohio Democrats in two tight statewide races overshadowed by a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cincinnati/2026/10/22/ohio-governor-race-political-attacks-debates" data-vars-content-id="e22b9888-fbaa-4758-82ce-37fa1eaf5a7d" data-vars-headline="Obama returns to Cleveland amid tight races, Ramaswamy ad controversy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cincinnati/2026/10/22/ohio-governor-race-political-attacks-debates" target="_self">controversial</a> Republican attack ad.Why it matters: Obama&#x27;s appearance comes just 10 days before the Nov. 3 election, with Democrats hoping to capitalize on his popularity as they battle for Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governorship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/20/amy-acton-vivek-ramaswamy-ohio-governor-election-preview" data-vars-content-id="e22b9888-fbaa-4758-82ce-37fa1eaf5a7d" data-vars-headline="Obama returns to Cleveland amid tight races, Ramaswamy ad controversy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/20/amy-acton-vivek-ramaswamy-ohio-governor-election-preview" target="_self">governorship</a> and a pivotal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Senate seat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/21/jon-husted-sherrod-brown-ohio-senate-seat-election-2026" data-vars-content-id="e22b9888-fbaa-4758-82ce-37fa1eaf5a7d" data-vars-headline="Obama returns to Cleveland amid tight races, Ramaswamy ad controversy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/10/21/jon-husted-sherrod-brown-ohio-senate-seat-election-2026" target="_self">U.S. Senate seat</a>.

MAGA-linked super PAC funding Ohio's socialist senate candidate

The group has spent nearly $400,000 on mailers promoting Greg Levy in an apparent bid to split the Democratic vote.

A MAGA-linked super PAC is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars promoting a socialist candidate, Greg Levy, in Ohio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closely contested U.S. Senate race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/14/obama-trump-ohio-midterm-rallies" data-vars-content-id="51c8bb6b-467f-49df-af2f-951e4499ceea" data-vars-headline="MAGA-linked super PAC funding Ohio&#x27;s socialist senate candidate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/14/obama-trump-ohio-midterm-rallies" target="_self">closely contested U.S. Senate race</a>.Why it matters: The likely strategy is to siphon left-leaning voters away from Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown to benefit Republican Sen. Jon Husted.<ul><li>The tactic of boosting third-party candidates to divide an opponent&#x27;s support is an electoral maneuver used by both parties and has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="become more popular" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/07/2024-election-congress-controversial-tactic-third-party-00193124" data-vars-content-id="51c8bb6b-467f-49df-af2f-951e4499ceea" data-vars-headline="MAGA-linked super PAC funding Ohio&#x27;s socialist senate candidate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/07/2024-election-congress-controversial-tactic-third-party-00193124" target="_blank">become more popular</a> in recent cycles.</li></ul>

Obama and Trump bring presidential star power to Ohio's midterm races

Obama will headline a Cleveland rally on Oct. 24; Trump has already visited Ohio twice this month.

News

Ohio&#x27;s biggest political races are bringing out the big guns, with former President Barack Obama joining President Trump in campaigning in the Buckeye State before the Nov. 3 election.Why it matters: The high-profile visits underscore the national stakes of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Senate race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/13/2028-map-swing-states-democrats-red-conservatives" data-vars-content-id="c066e08d-ebb8-4e5b-a663-39ecfa342a42" data-vars-headline="Obama and Trump bring presidential star power to Ohio&#x27;s midterm races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/13/2028-map-swing-states-democrats-red-conservatives" target="_self">U.S. Senate race</a>, which could determine control of the chamber, plus a competitive governor&#x27;s contest.

Ronayne sets stage for second term as county executive

The Cuyahoga County official acknowledged a tougher fiscal environment is on the horizon.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chris Ronayne" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/16/ronayne-state-of-cuyahoga-county-2025-speech" data-vars-content-id="5bbacfd6-7218-4243-a203-b17796042f94" data-vars-headline="Ronayne sets stage for second term as county executive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/10/16/ronayne-state-of-cuyahoga-county-2025-speech" target="_self">Chris Ronayne</a> sounded like a politician with zero electoral pressure during his fourth State of the County address.<ul><li>That&#x27;s because he is.</li></ul>Why it matters: Running unopposed in November, the Cuyahoga County executive didn&#x27;t have to use Thursday&#x27;s speech to defend his record or score political points.<ul><li>Yes, but: He did acknowledge a tougher fiscal environment is on the horizon.</li></ul>

RTA sales tax increase may head to the ballot box

Board members will decide whether to seek the agency's first sales tax increase since 1975.

Transit

The RTA board is expected to decide Tuesday whether to ask Cuyahoga County voters for the agency&#x27;s first sales tax increase in more than 50 years.Why it matters: Without new revenue, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transit officials say RTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/25/rta-service-cuts-tax-2026" data-vars-content-id="20807b59-5886-4e2b-992e-fc83f6beec84" data-vars-headline="RTA sales tax increase may head to the ballot box" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/25/rta-service-cuts-tax-2026" target="_self">transit officials say RTA</a> will have to begin incrementally cutting service. <ul><li>With it, the agency says it can expand bus and rail service while avoiding a looming fiscal cliff.</li></ul>

Ohio Democrats challenge FBI over Cleveland raid

A new letter seeks records and an explanation for the investigation into the Ohio Organizing Collaborative.

U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown and four other Democratic members of Ohio&#x27;s congressional delegation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sent a letter Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://shontelbrown.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/shontelbrown.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/oh-dem-delegation-to-fbi-re-ohio-organizing-collaborative.pdf" data-vars-content-id="51fa6619-e8a0-4fb6-aa0b-11117321e66d" data-vars-headline="Ohio Democrats challenge FBI over Cleveland raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://shontelbrown.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/shontelbrown.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/oh-dem-delegation-to-fbi-re-ohio-organizing-collaborative.pdf" target="_blank">sent a letter Wednesday</a> to FBI leaders demanding details about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last week&#x27;s raid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/16/fbi-raid-voter-id-ohio" data-vars-content-id="51fa6619-e8a0-4fb6-aa0b-11117321e66d" data-vars-headline="Ohio Democrats challenge FBI over Cleveland raid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/06/16/fbi-raid-voter-id-ohio" target="_self">last week&#x27;s raid</a> of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative.Why it matters: Brown and her colleagues are concerned that the still-unexplained federal investigation could chill voter registration and civic engagement ahead of the 2026 midterms.

FBI raid and voter ID push fuel election fears in Ohio

Democrats see a pattern of intimidation ahead of the 2026 midterms. Republicans say they're protecting election integrity.

The FBI raid of a progressive voting rights group in Cleveland last week is heightening anxiety over election integrity ahead of the 2026 midterms.Why it matters: Republicans at the state and federal levels have spent years fomenting concerns about voter fraud, and Democrats now fear those claims are being paired with federal law enforcement pressure on groups that register and mobilize voters.

Tanmay Shah defeats Danny Kelly in Cleveland Ward 12

An automatic recount still looms, but Shah's slim victory increased when BOE certified results Tuesday.

Tanmay Shah has defeated Danny Kelly in the Ward 12 Cleveland City Council race, though an automatic recount looms. Why it matters: Shah is the only challenger to defeat an incumbent council member in the first election to feature a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cleveland ward map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/01/07/cleveland-city-council-passes-new-ward-map" data-vars-content-id="84efbbb1-5625-4252-9f84-67bbeea4866a" data-vars-headline="Tanmay Shah defeats Danny Kelly in Cleveland Ward 12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/01/07/cleveland-city-council-passes-new-ward-map" target="_self">Cleveland ward map</a>.

Incumbents largely prevail on Cleveland City Council

Two new faces are poised to fill empty seats on the west side, per unofficial results.

Election

Incumbents overwhelmingly maintained their seats on Cleveland City Council Tuesday, per unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.The big picture: It&#x27;s the first election since redistricting shrunk the body from 17 seats to 15 due to population loss.

Election 🗳️

Obama returns to Cleveland amid tight races, Ramaswamy ad controversy

Husted and Brown battle for high-profile Senate seat

Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy battle for Ohio governor

Ohio voters weigh photo ID constitutional amendment

MAGA-linked super PAC funding Ohio's socialist senate candidate