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COLUMBUS, Ohio (RNS) — No matter who wins, the Ohio governor’s race will be one of firsts. If Democrat Dr. Amy Acton wins, she would be Ohio’s first Jewish governor and first female governor. If Republican Vivek Ramaswamy wins, he would be the first Hindu governor in the country’s history.

About 65% of Ohio adults identify as Christian, while about 30% are religiously unaffiliated, according to 2024 Pew Research Center data. For both candidates to be among the 5% who follow minority religions is unprecedented in state politics.

The race has captivated the nation for its vitriol. Acton’s campaign has painted Ramaswamy, a biotech billionaire, as a swindler who promoted fraudulent medical treatments, which he’s denied. Ramaswamy disgusted some voters with an ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother calling Acton a liar.…