Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton this week announced her bid for governor, making her the first Democratic challenger to enter the race.

Acton, as Governor DeWine’s Director of Health, became a household name in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, launched her official bid Tuesday, citing that “…I think we all know it’s time for a change.”

Acton is one of several candidates seeking Ohio’s highest office. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced his intention to run with a short video on the social media platform X last November. Both he and Lt. Governor Jon Husted filed paperwork in 2024 to prepare to run in 2026.

Other speculated candidates include former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo, Treasurer Robert Sprague, and 2024 presidential candidate/entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Ohio’s 2026 Gubernatorial race will be covered extensively at the OMA’s first Government Affairs Committee of the year on Feb. 27. 1/6/2024