Who is Amy Acton and what is Acton running on in the 2026 Ohio Governor race?

Amy Acton is the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor. Physician and former Ohio Department of Health director under Gov. Mike DeWine (2019-2020), known for leading the state’s early COVID response; ran unopposed in the primary. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The race

• The seat: Open seat (Mike DeWine term-limited).
• Rating: Toss-up in polling.
• Polling: Acton 46, Ramaswamy 45 (Emerson, early Sept 2026); RealClearPolling average Acton +0.3 (Sept 7, 2026).

Why Acton is ahead

• Polls are a statistical tie (Emerson Acton +1, Fox News Aug Ramaswamy +2, NYT/Siena June tied).
• Markets favor Acton on candidate quality and her affordability message in a high-cost environment despite Ohio voting R+11 in 2024.
• Ramaswamy has the money edge: ~$26.8M cash on hand incl. a $25M personal loan, and Trump’s endorsement.
• Trump’s standing has slipped in Ohio and 60% oppose his tariffs, a headwind for the Trump-backed nominee.

What Acton is running on

• Cost of living. Lower everyday costs: groceries, gas, healthcare and energy.
• Healthcare. Campaign emphasises Medicaid and prescription drug costs.
• Education. Fully fund public schools.
• Corruption. Fight ‘rampant corruption in Ohio’s Statehouse that caters to billionaires and special interests’.
• Opponent. Calls Ramaswamy ‘an out-of-touch billionaire’ whose policies would raise costs on working families.

In Acton’s own words

“I’m fighting to make sure that everyone gets a fair shot in Ohio”

The other candidates

• Vivek Ramaswamy (R)

Every race

See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.