India, Nov. 3 -- Democratic candidate Amy Acton has taken the lead over Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in several public opinion polls ahead of Election Day in Ohio's closely watched gubernatorial race. The contest has gained momentum following a major controversy surrounding a campaign advertisement featuring Acton's estranged mother, which triggered a wave of criticism against the Republican campaign.

The fallout has given Democrats renewed confidence that they could reclaim the Ohio governorship for the first time since 2006, with the race becoming increasingly competitive in its final days.

The Ohio governor's contest took an unexpected turn late last month after Ramaswamy faced backlash over an advertisement featuring Acton's estranged...