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

Former Ohio Health Department Director Dr. Amy Acton announced on Tuesday that she is running for Ohio governor in 2026.

Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, who gained notoriety during the COVID pandemic, is running for governor in 2026.

Amy Acton, the former state health director who led Ohio's initial COVID-19 response, has announced a campaign for governor, per AP and other reports. Why it matters: The Democrat hopes to leverage her pandemic popularity and name recognition to flip the governor's seat in 2026 after four terms of Republican control.

I’m a doctor, not a politician,” she said in a statement announcing her candidacy. “I solve problems by bringing people together regardless of party to find solutions.”