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.
Who was Ohio’s last Democratic governor?
It’s been 18 years since Ohio last had a Democratic governor, when Ted Strickland first took office in 2007.
When is the 2026 election for Ohio governor?
Election Day for governor and lieutenant governor will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.
What are the qualifications for Ohio governor?
The governor of Ohio must be at least 18 years of age, according to the Board of Elections website.
The candidate must live in Ohio and must be a registered elector.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Who is Amy Acton? Former health director running for Ohio governor in 2026