Amy Acton
Democratic · OH
Amy Acton is a physician, public-health leader, former Ohio Department of Health director, former Columbus Foundation executive, and the 2026 Democratic nominee for Ohio governor. She led Ohio's early COVID-19 public-health response and campaigns on affordability, health, education, and practical public service.
Track record
Environment and Public Health
· 2 records
An Ohio judge ruled that Acton's continued closure of gyms was arbitrary, unreasonable, and oppressive, limiting enforcement of the order against fitness centers.
May 20, 2020For
Source: abcnews.com · researched July 13, 2026
Acton signed the Stay Safe Ohio order continuing statewide distancing, business, and public-health requirements during the COVID-19 emergency.
April 30, 2020For
Source: ohca.org · researched July 13, 2026
General
· 2 records
Acton resigned as Ohio health director while remaining temporarily as the governor's public-health adviser during the pandemic response.
June 11, 2020
Source: wosu.org · researched July 13, 2026
As Ohio health director, Amy Acton used emergency authority to order polling places closed hours before the March 2020 primary because of the COVID-19 public-health emergency.
March 16, 2020
Source: apnews.com · researched July 13, 2026
Integrity and Ethics
· 1 record
An Ohio judge ruled that Acton's continued closure of gyms was arbitrary, unreasonable, and oppressive, limiting enforcement of the order against fitness centers.
May 20, 2020
Source: abcnews.com · researched July 13, 2026
Elections
- Governor and Lieutenant Governor · November 3, 2026 · Ohio
Profile last researched July 13, 2026.