Ohio’s gubernatorial contest has taken on new dimensions as Somali immigrant community leaders publicly rally behind Democratic candidate Amy Acton, with Democrat state Rep. Ismail Mohamed declaring the governor’s seat “the most important race in Ohio” in a video message to supporters.
Mohamed, who represents a district in the Columbus area, has been actively encouraging Somali voters to cast ballots and volunteer for Acton’s campaign. The Columbus region is home to the second-largest Somali community in the United States, with an estimated 70,000 Somali immigrants living in central Ohio, trailing only Minneapolis in population.
Somali Political Organization
In an earlier video cited by Breitbart, Mohamed outlined the extent of Somali political representation across the country, stating that the community has at least 20 political representatives in the United States. He identified Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar as their “federal representative” and revealed that these elected officials maintain communication through a group chat.
According to Mohamed’s remarks, the Somali political network prioritizes issues affecting Somalia itself. “It’s our country. It’s our people. Our aim is a united front for Somalia,” he said in the video.
A Tight Race With National Implications
Acton faces Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in Tuesday’s election to succeed outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine. Polling has indicated a close contest between the two candidates, with both receiving criticism for aspects of their campaigns.
The Democratic candidate brings a controversial political resume to the race. Acton served as Ohio’s Department of Health Director and what critics dubbed the state’s “COVID Czar” during the early months of the pandemic in 2020. Under her leadership, Ohio became the first state in the nation to close all public schools as the coronavirus crisis unfolded.
Her tenure in that role proved short-lived. According to Breitbart News reporting from October, Acton resigned from her position as Ohio’s Department of Health Director, citing that “the demands of the job were too great.”
Immigration Enforcement Tensions
The Columbus area’s large Somali population has become a focal point in broader immigration debates. The New York Times reported in January on an ICE enforcement effort in the region aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. The operation drew opposition from Columbus’s far-left mayor, who characterized ICE’s presence as “unwelcome” and resisted Trump administration efforts to enforce immigration laws in the city.
The gubernatorial race comes at a time when immigration policy remains a contentious issue in Ohio and nationally. The Somali community’s vocal support for Acton could prove significant in what polls suggest will be a close election, particularly given the demographic’s concentration in the politically important Columbus area.
As Tuesday’s election approaches, both campaigns are making final pushes to turn out their supporters. The race will not only determine Ohio’s next governor but could also signal broader trends in how immigrant communities are organizing politically and flexing their electoral muscle in key battleground states.
Ohio has long been considered a bellwether state in national politics, though it has trended more Republican in recent presidential cycles. The governor’s race will test whether Democrats can regain ground in the state and whether Acton’s pandemic-era record will help or hinder her chances with voters.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/11/01/somalis-back-democrat-amy-acton-in-ohio-gubernatorial-race/