Amy Acton
Physician and ex-Ohio health director running as Democrat for governor against Vivek Ramaswamy.
In Ohio’s 2026 governor’s race, Amy Acton is the Democratic candidate opposing Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.
Last refreshed: 24 September 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Can Ohio's former pandemic-era health director beat Vivek Ramaswamy for governor?
Timeline for Amy Acton
Sabato and Cook widen Democrats' map
US Midterms 2026Background
Amy Acton is a physician and former director of Ohio’s Department of Health. In the 2026 Ohio governor’s contest, she is the Democratic nominee against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. Her campaign drew wider attention on 22 September, when Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved the race from Leans Republican to Toss-up.
Acton led Ohio’s health department during the state’s 2020 pandemic response. That public-health role remains the central experience shaping her political identity. Her candidacy places a former state health leader in a contest that national race-watchers reassessed in September 2026.
Who is Amy Acton?
Is Ohio's governor race a toss-up?
Who is running against Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio governor?
