Pink Rose Society

Amy Acton

Democratic nominee for governor of Ohio in the Ohio 2026 Governor Race. Physician and former state health director who became the public face of Ohio's early COVID-19 response.

Key facts

  • Born 1966, raised in Youngstown; has spoken openly about childhood poverty, homelessness, and abuse. MD (NEOMED); MPH (Ohio State).
  • Appointed director of the Ohio Department of Health by Mike DeWine in Feb 2019 — the first physician in the role in over a decade.
  • Led Ohio's early pandemic response; signed one of the earliest US statewide stay-at-home orders. Faced armed protests at her home; resigned June 2020.
  • Announced her run in January 2025 — the first major Democrat in — and was the unopposed nominee.
  • Priorities: healthcare access, public-health infrastructure, working families.

Relationships

Sources