Dr. Amy Leigh Acton (born February 16, 1966) is an American physician, public-health leader, and Democratic candidate for Governor of Ohio in 2026. She grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, where her family faced significant hardship — including periods of homelessness and financial struggle — experiences that shaped her deep commitment to serving working families and confronting public-health and economic challenges firsthand. Acton paid her own way through college and medical school, later completing residencies in pediatrics and preventive medicine, and earning a master’s in public health. In 2019, she was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine as Director of the Ohio Department of Health, becoming the first woman and physician to hold the position. Acton led Ohio’s early COVID-19 pandemic response, gaining statewide recognition for her science-driven leadership and clear communication during daily briefings aimed at keeping Ohioans safe. After resigning in 2020, she served with the Columbus Foundation and remained engaged in community health initiatives. In January 2025, Acton officially launched her campaign for Governor, seeking to bring her problem-solving approach and people-centered leadership to Ohio’s executive office. She is running as a Democrat with a message of accountability, affordability, and opportunity for all Ohio families.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
- Putting People First & Fighting Special Interests — Acton has said she’s running because she “refuses to look away” from Ohio families who are struggling while politicians and special interests push the state in the wrong direction.
- Lowering Costs & Improving Affordability — Her campaign emphasizes reducing the cost of healthcare, housing, and everyday essentials that burden working families.
- Growing Jobs & Supporting Workers — Acton highlights the need to grow Ohio jobs and stand up to corporate greed, including championing labor priorities such as fair wages, safe workplaces, and strong benefits — reflected in recent union endorsements of her campaign.
- Public Safety & Community Well-Being — She advocates for building safer communities and prioritizing policies that protect all Ohioans.
- Reproductive Freedom & Civil Rights — Ensuring reproductive freedom and civil liberties is central to her campaign’s message.
- Education & Economic Opportunity — Acton supports improving schools and expanding opportunities so that young people are not forced to leave Ohio to pursue their futures.
- Accountability & Clean Government — She emphasizes ethics reform, government accountability, and ending corrupt politics at the Statehouse.
Acton’s platform frames her candidacy as a shift toward leadership grounded in science, compassion, and service rather than politics and polarization.
Accomplishments & Public Service
- Public Health Leadership: As Director of the Ohio Department of Health, Acton became a trusted voice during the early COVID-19 response and helped implement critical public-health measures, earning both acclaim and controversy for her science-based approach at a time of crisis.
- First Woman in Ohio’s Top Public Health Role: She broke barriers as the first woman physician to lead the state’s health department.
- Community Advocacy: After her tenure as health director, Acton worked with the Columbus Foundation and directed community health initiatives, including efforts to improve vaccination rates and local well-being.
- Union Endorsements & Broad Support: In late 2025, Acton secured endorsements from key labor organizations, including the United Auto Workers, which highlighted her commitment to working families and fair labor practices.
- Broad Coalition of Endorsements: Her campaign has also attracted support from major urban leaders, teachers’ unions, and Democratic figures, indicating a growing coalition behind her vision for Ohio.
All too often, kindness is mistaken for weakness, and that is a big mistake,” she said. “Everywhere I go, people are telling me that they want public servants again. They want us solving the problems of everyday life that we all face that aren’t political.
- Amy Acton