Ohio’s next governor will inherit decisions about proposed passenger rail routes through Columbus, but the major-party candidates have offered different levels of clarity on whether they would support them. Democrat Amy Acton supports expanding passenger and freight rail as part of broader infrastructure investment, her campaign said. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign did not respond to questions about passenger rail or other transportation issues. “Dr. Acton will fight to continue to modernize Ohio’s infrastructure, including our rail, roads and bridges,” campaign spokesperson Addie Bullock said in a statement. She said rail investments should emphasize affordability and safety, create good-paying jobs and expand economic opportunity. Ohio has had no passenger rail service in Columbus since the late 1970s. In 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration identified four Ohio routes as priorities for potential expansion. Two would serve Columbus: the 3C+D corridor, connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati, and Midwest Connect, linking Chicago, Columbus and Pittsburgh. Planning has continued, but Gov. Mike DeWine has said the final decision will be up to his successor. A report released this month by the Rail Passengers Association estimated that rebuilding Ohio’s passenger rail network could produce nearly $190 million in annual benefits within the state. Ramaswamy has not publicly addressed the proposed rail expansion, according to a review of candidates’ public statements, social media and campaign websites. He has promoted eliminating Ohio’s income tax; some experts have warned that the proposal could reduce state revenue and constrain funding for transportation infrastructure. President Donald Trump, whose endorsement helped Ramaswamy secure the Republican nomination, has held up transit funding and proposed cuts to intercity rail funding in a budget. Libertarian lieutenant governor candidate James Mills, running alongside gubernatorial candidate Don Kissick, said his party’s focus on government spending does not rule out public transit or passenger rail. Mills said Ohio should seriously pursue the Cleveland-to-Cincinnati corridor and consider extending it to Toledo and southeast Ohio. He said any state commitment should be preceded by transparent projections for ridership, construction costs and ongoing operating subsidies. Mills also said transportation spending should prioritize repairing and improving the safety of existing roads before expanding them. Ohio’s early in-person voting begins Oct. 6.