Ohio Voters Demand Change and Hold MAGA Accountable
Statement from Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga on Tuesday night’s election results:
In the end, Ohio voters called for change and rejected the campaigns of big money, lies and gutter politics in favor of Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. At the top of the ticket Ohioans overwhelmingly sided with installing Dr. Amy Acton in the governor’s office and sending Sherrod Brown back to the U.S. Senate.
Corruption and the rising cost of living took center stage in these campaigns, as Ohioans made clear they want change and a government that works for everyone—not just the wealthy and well-connected. The voters made it clear that they are tired of the self-dealing, shady tactics and broken promises of the MAGA Republicans that are in government.
With the election of Governor-elect Amy Acton, Senator-elect Sherrod Brown, and Democrats up and down the ballot Ohioans have chosen a new direction, where decency is a priority and an agenda that puts working families first. We need freedom, fairness and security for working people—and that’s what we will get with Dr. Amy Acton in the governor’s office and Sherrod Brown in the U.S. Senate.
The Ohio AFL-CIO’s 2026 political campaign was unprecedented in its scope and reach throughout the election cycle, mobilizing union members, engaging voters, and helping deliver historic victories for our endorsed candidates.
Now, the work continues. The Ohio AFL-CIO stands ready to work with newly elected officials on a bipartisan agenda that creates good-paying jobs, lowers costs for working families, and restores accountability and transparency to state government.
That work begins with engaging Governor-elect Acton and her transition team to help build an administration that puts workers first. From state agencies to boards and commissions, we will push for policies that strengthen workers’ rights, create good paying jobs, and ensure that the voices of working people are heard in the decisions that shape their lives.
Ohio’s working people showed up, made their voices heard, and demanded change. Working people deserve an Ohio where hard work pays off, communities can thrive, and government works for everyone. The Ohio AFL-CIO is ready to get to work.