Former Ohio health director Amy Acton is running for governor in 2026. Acton is a physician and public health expert who became a household name among Ohioans as she stood alongside Republican Gov.

Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton helped lead the state through the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, earning her both praise and scorn. Now, she's running as a Democrat to replace term-limited Gov.

Acton, who has been hinting at such a run since last summer, is the first Ohio Democrat to launch a 2026 gubernatorial campaign.