Dr. Amy Acton is an Ohio physician and public health leader who became widely known in 2020 as director of the Ohio Department of Health during the early months of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Born in Youngstown in 1966, she trained in pediatrics and preventive medicine, taught public health at Ohio State University, and worked in nonprofit leadership in Columbus.
In the News
In January 2025 she launched a campaign for governor as a Democrat, and she is her party’s nominee in the 2026 race against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.
Why She Is Known
Her daily televised briefings alongside Governor Mike DeWine in 2020 made her one of the most recognized public health officials in the country, drawing both praise and criticism.
Learn More
To learn more about Dr. Amy Acton and the issues in Ohio’s 2026 governor’s race, read coverage from several Ohio newspapers and public radio stations, review each candidate’s official website, and check nonpartisan voter guides. Hearing from supporters and critics of every candidate helps voters make an informed choice. For official election dates, registration status, and polling locations, visit the Ohio Secretary of State or your county board of elections.
Save this pin to your Ohio people board and share it with someone interested in Ohio public life. For official voting information, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.