Ohio Democrats’ path to the governor’s office runs through rural areas that had turned against them

MARIETTA, Ohio — Dr. Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for governor, announced a three-year moratorium on new injection wells for fracking in Washington County, a rural area that has historically voted against Democrats. The issue of water pollution from fracking is top of mind for voters concerned about the impact on their groundwater.

The moratorium is seen as a way to protect the environment and avoid costly cleanup efforts, which could exceed $1 billion. Acton received support from Susan Vessels, a local Republican who praised Acton's commitment to protecting drinking water. Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate endorsed by former President Trump, also campaigned in Marietta, highlighting the need for economic growth that safeguards natural resources.

Both candidates are targeting rural areas in their pursuit of the governor's office, as Democrats struggle to regain their foothold in Ohio, a state that has not elected a Democratic governor since 2006.