Dr. Amy Acton, a physician and Democrat running unopposed in her party’s primary, is preparing for a challenging general election bid for governor of Ohio. She is seeking to become the first Democrat in 20 years to hold the state’s top office in a political landscape now dominated by Republicans.
Acton faces a presumed opponent in Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who brings national name recognition and a significant personal fortune to his campaign. Though, the most significant hurdle for Acton may be her high-profile role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Legacy of Pandemic Mandates
As Ohio’s public health director in early 2020, Acton became a household name while leading the state’s response to the coronavirus. At the urging of Republican Governor Mike DeWine, she signed orders that shuttered businesses, closed schools, and restricted sporting events.
One of the most contentious decisions involved the suspension of voting in the 2020 primary, which was eventually conducted via mail balloting. These actions have now become a primary target for Republican critics.
During campaign rallies, Ramaswamy has accused Acton of spreading what he describes as COVID ideology
. Republican state Senate candidate Zac Haines has framed the election as a choice between liberty
and lockdowns
.
Acton’s campaign has pushed back, with spokesperson Addie Bullock stating that Acton is proud of putting public health over politics
to save lives. Governor DeWine, while endorsing Ramaswamy, has defended Acton, asserting that the decision to issue the 2020 health order was his own.
A Polarized Public Image
The pandemic has left a lasting social trauma in Ohio, altering public trust in government health officers and vaccines. This divide is reflected in how Acton is perceived by different voter bases.
Among Democrats, Acton is viewed by some as a hero; in 2020, this support manifested in a fan club, bobblehead dolls, and proposals for a state holiday. In contrast, her name often draws loud boos at Republican events.
According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ohio ranked 22nd among states for its per capita death rate during the first year of the pandemic.
Ramaswamy’s Pandemic Ties
While attacking Acton, Ramaswamy has his own history with the state’s pandemic response. In a 2021 op-ed, he wrote that he served as an adviser on COVID-19 to then-Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted.
Ramaswamy also previously supported vaccines, received one himself, and advocated for mask-wearing, though he maintained he did not support government mandates. One of his companies, Datavant, pushed for a national COVID registry to help those with natural immunity return to normal life.
Since entering the 2024 presidential race, Ramaswamy has distanced himself from these roles. In early 2023, he left the Roivant board and paid to remove a reference to his service on Ohio’s COVID-19 Response Team from Wikipedia, calling it a correction because the panel never met.
Looking Ahead
The general election could center on a clash of data-driven decision-making versus individual liberty. Ramaswamy has stated he intends to hold Acton accountable for the costs of business and school closures.
Acton may continue to emphasize her ability to operate across the political spectrum, having advised five different governors. The outcome may depend on whether voters view the 2020 mandates as necessary life-saving measures or as government overreach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific pandemic orders is Vivek Ramaswamy criticizing?
Ramaswamy is focusing on orders signed by Dr. Acton to close schools, shutter businesses, restrict sporting events, and suspend voting in the 2020 primary.
What was Dr. Amy Acton’s role during the pandemic?
Dr. Acton was a physician and served as Ohio’s public health director when the coronavirus hit the United States in early 2020.
How has Vivek Ramaswamy’s stance on COVID-19 changed?
While he now criticizes COVID ideology
, Ramaswamy previously advocated for mask-wearing, supported vaccines, received one himself, and served as an adviser to the lieutenant governor on COVID-19.
Do you believe a candidate’s past role in public health crises should be a primary factor in their fitness for political office?