Dr. Amy Acton: From Public Health Director to Gubernatorial Candidate - A Closer Look at Her Personal and Professional Journey
In August 2019, police in Bexley, Ohio, responded to a disturbance at the residence of Dr. Amy Acton, who was then the director of the state's Department of Health. The incident involved a verbal argument between Acton and her husband over her work hours, during which a mirror was broken. Despite the police report mentioning alcohol and prescription drugs, Acton's campaign clarified that she had only one drink and was not intoxicated. The campaign also disputed the need for Acton to go to the hospital, stating that she was not harmed or impaired.
Acton gained prominence during the Covid pandemic as a key figure advising Governor Mike DeWine on public health measures. Following her resignation in June 2020, Acton became a Democratic candidate for governor, likely facing Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the general election. The 2019 incident at Acton's home, which was not widely known, has now come to light, prompting a response from both her campaign and Governor DeWine.
Governor DeWine, who had previously praised Acton, expressed disappointment upon learning about the 2019 incident for the first time through media inquiries. The governor's support for Ramaswamy came after unsuccessful attempts to recruit other candidates for the primary election. Acton's performance as health director has been a focal point in the gubernatorial race, with her handling of pandemic shutdowns and subsequent scrutiny playing a significant role in the campaign.
Acton's personal narrative, including her upbringing in Youngstown and her medical background, has been central to her campaign. Despite facing criticism and controversy, Acton's candidacy has sparked debate over her role in advising pandemic response measures and her decision to resign from the DeWine administration. As a first-time candidate for elected office, Acton aims to leverage her experience in public health and her personal story to connect with voters in Ohio.