Who is Amy Acton? Former health director running for Ohio governor in 2026

Dr. Amy Acton, former Ohio Department of Health Director, announced her candidacy for Ohio governor in the 2026 election.
Acton served as the face of Ohio’s COVID-19 response during the pandemic.
The Democratic primary for Ohio governor is scheduled for May 6, 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026.
Ohio last elected a Democratic governor in 2006, with Ted Strickland serving one term.

Dr. Amy Acton, former Ohio Department of Health Director and the first woman physician appointed to Ohio’s top public health position, announced last week that she’s running for governor.

Acton will run as a Democrat in Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial race, hoping to fill the vacant governor’s seat to replace current Gov. Mike DeWine, who is serving his final term and will officially leave office on Jan. 11, 2027.

Serving under DeWine’s administration, Acton gained widespread (and often negative) attention as the face of the state’s daily press updates during the COVID-19 pandemic. She became the target of protestors and critics before eventually stepping down from her role as Ohio’s health director in 2020.

Five years later, she’s back and wants to fill the governor’s seat. Here’s what to know about Dr. Amy Acton.

Who is Amy Acton?

Acton, 58, was born in Youngstown and attended Youngstown State University, Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, and Ohio State University, where she earned a master’s in public health.

Since stepping away from her role as health director under DeWine, she worked at the Columbus Foundation and led nonprofit efforts for RAPID 5 parks and trails group as former president and CEO.

Her husband, Eric, is a coach and teacher. They have six children in their blended family and all live in Bexley, near Columbus.

Why is Amy Acton running for Ohio governor?

According to Acton, she wants to enter the governor’s race because “I don’t want to look the other way when Ohioans are struggling,” Acton told the statehouse bureau earlier this week.

“By almost every measure, our state has been going in the wrong direction, and I think we all know it’s time for a change.”

This isn’t the first time Acton considered entering the political space. Acton had long weighed her options for public service since 2021. She considered a U.S. Senate bid in the 2022 election before ultimately declining not to run. Acton also mentioned running for governor in August of last year.

When do candidates have to declare their bid for governor in Ohio?

State law states that candidates must file a declaration of candidacy “not later than 4 p.m. of the 90th day before the day of the primary election.”

When are the Ohio primaries in 2026? When is the next election for governor?

Potential candidates for governor must declare 90 days before the primary. In 2026, the statewide primaries take place on May 6, per Ballotpedia, meaning gubernatorial candidates have until Feb. 5, 2026, to join Acton in the race.

This article was originally published by a www.dispatch.com . Read the Original article here. .

What's Hot

Bronx shooting leaves 25-year-old man dead in Hunts Point; suspect flees on moped, police say

Transfer news LIVE: Man City seal £33.7m Rayan Ait-Nouri deal, Chelsea in talks over Serie A star and Al-Hilal target Darwin Nunez

Rory McIlroy’s controversial decision to skip Jack Nicklaus’ tournament gets blunt response from Golden Bear

Who is Amy Acton? Former health director running for Ohio governor in 2026

Rory McIlroy’s controversial decision to skip Jack Nicklaus’ tournament gets blunt response from Golden Bear

Browns’ Myles Garrett divides NFL fans by skipping practices for Japanese vacation after signing $160m deal

Americans urged to stay vigilant for new unusual Covid symptom caused by dangerous Chinese strain

Horrifying twist in death of newborn girl who was ‘mauled to death by puppy’

Shedeur Sanders makes shock admission about Browns teammates… after claim he could be cut amid QB battle

LA protests live updates: Trump unleashes on Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass for their ‘horrible job’ stopping ‘troublemakers and insurrectionists’

Bronx shooting leaves 25-year-old man dead in Hunts Point; suspect flees on moped, police say

Transfer news LIVE: Man City seal £33.7m Rayan Ait-Nouri deal, Chelsea in talks over Serie A star and Al-Hilal target Darwin Nunez

Rory McIlroy’s controversial decision to skip Jack Nicklaus’ tournament gets blunt response from Golden Bear

LA turns into a warzone as Marines begin journey to lawless hellscape ahead of another night of ICE riots

Nassau County, NY man charged in ‘deeply disturbing’ alleged murder-for-hire plot amid construction dispute

Stanley Cup winner and Olympic hero TJ Oshie retires at 38 in bombshell announcement after 16 years in NHL

Browns’ Myles Garrett divides NFL fans by skipping practices for Japanese vacation after signing $160m deal

Ohio News

Rory McIlroy’s controversial decision to skip Jack Nicklaus’ tournament gets blunt response from Golden Bear

Browns’ Myles Garrett divides NFL fans by skipping practices for Japanese vacation after signing $160m deal

Americans urged to stay vigilant for new unusual Covid symptom caused by dangerous Chinese strain

Newark News

Bronx shooting leaves 25-year-old man dead in Hunts Point; suspect flees on moped, police say

Nassau County, NY man charged in ‘deeply disturbing’ alleged murder-for-hire plot amid construction dispute

National Geographic’s ‘Sharkfest’ lineup contains 25 hours of jaw-dropping fun, including ‘Sharks Up Close’ and ‘Jaws @ 50’

National News

LA turns into a warzone as Marines begin journey to lawless hellscape ahead of another night of ICE riots

Blake Lively finally breaks silence on Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit dismissal after It Ends With Us legal war

Revealed: The three women taking over Indianapolis Colts after Jim Irsay’s death

What's Hot

Who is Amy Acton? Former health director running for Ohio governor in 2026

Latest News