Amy Acton, the presumptive Democratic nominee for Ohio governor, married her son’s high school track coach months after both she and the coach ended their previous marriages.
A Past Under Scrutiny
The events, which were previously discussed in Bexley, Ohio, are receiving renewed attention as Acton campaigns against Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy. Acton, 60, is a physician and formerly served as Ohio’s director of Public Health under Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, gaining public recognition during pandemic press conferences.
Acton’s marriage to Eric Acton, 64, followed separate divorces. Amy Acton’s divorce from Douglas Beech was finalized in June 2008, after the couple separated four months prior, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Eric Acton’s divorce from Barbara Davis-Acton was finalized in February 2010, after Davis-Acton filed in May 2009, stating they were “incompatible” and had lived “separate and apart” for one year.
The timeline coincided with Amy Acton’s son’s participation on the cross country team at Bexley High School, where Eric Acton was the coach. Eric Acton resigned from his coaching position, citing a need for “more time for myself,” according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Amy and Eric Acton married on July 2, 2010, five months after Eric’s divorce was finalized. The couple now has a blended family of six children.
A former Bexley High student described the relationship as “controversial” and “gossip” within the community. The Ramaswamy campaign declined to comment on the matter.
Ohio’s Political Landscape
Ohio has trended Republican in recent years, with Ted Strickland being the last Democrat to win the governorship in 2006. Recent polls show Acton with a one-point lead over Ramaswamy, a former 2024 presidential candidate.
Acton previously served as an associate professor of public health at Ohio State University before being appointed by Gov. DeWine as the state’s health director in 2019. She later resigned in June 2020 following criticism from Republicans regarding her handling of the coronavirus pandemic, including stay-at-home orders and gym closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Amy Acton and Eric Acton get married?
Amy and Eric Acton married on July 2, 2010.
What reason did Eric Acton give for resigning from his coaching position?
Eric Acton told the Columbus Dispatch he resigned due to the fact that he “needed more time for myself.”
Who was Amy Acton married to before Eric Acton?
Amy Acton was married to Douglas Beech from 1989 until June 2008.
As the election draws nearer, will this past scrutiny affect voters’ decisions in the Ohio gubernatorial race?
Worth a look
