CLEVELAND, Ohio - Dr. Amy Acton, who comforted Ohioans through the early days of the COVID pandemic, is running for governor as a Democrat. We’re talking about the 2026 race on Today in Ohio. Listen online here.

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.

Dr. Amy Acton, who rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as the state’s health director, said Tuesday she is seeking to become the state’s next governor. Acton, a Democrat, said: “I’m running for governor because I refuse to look the other way while politicians and special interests keep moving us backward in the state.