FILE - Democratic Senate candidate Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, gives his concession speech to Republican candidate JD Vance at an election night event for Ryan in Boardman, Ohio Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)

By JULIE CARR SMYTH The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan said Friday that he has decided not to run for Ohio governor next year, eliminating the most significant hurdle to the nomination for former state health director Dr. Amy Acton.

Ryan, 52, had been considering a bid after fellow Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, his former college football coach and mentor, opted out of the race. The 10-term ex-congressman was expected to capitalize on the strong statewide recognition he garnered in his losing Senate

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