Dr. Amy Acton is the Democratic nominee in the November general election for governor of Ohio. Her opponent is Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. Dr. Acton answered the following questions recently for The Truth
How would you respond to Republican efforts to label you as extremist or
anything other than a common-sense public servant?
Dr. Acton: As a doctor and lifelong public servant, I have dedicated my career to working across the aisle, including with Republican Governor Mike DeWine, to achieve practical solutions and put the needs of everyday Ohioans first.
Throughout my campaign, I have been on the ground meeting with voters in
every corner of the state, from our rural counties to our urban core, from
small towns to our Appalachian communities. Everywhere I go in Ohio, I hear
the same thing: Ohioans want lower costs, accessible and affordable
healthcare, affordable childcare, and fully funded public schools. That is
what I’m fighting for in every corner of Ohio. I am running for governor to
make sure every Ohioan can not just get by, but thrive.
Looking back on your time leading Ohio’s public health response during the
pandemic, what did that experience teach you about leadership— and how did
it shape the governor you would be?
Dr. Acton: I’m proud of the work that I did alongside Governor DeWine during an unprecedented crisis. Together, we put public health needs over politics to save lives and keep Ohioans safe.
As governor, I will work across the aisle to solve problems and make life
safer and more affordable for Ohioans. Ohioans deserve public servants who
truly want to tackle everyday issues and make life better for Ohio
families. That will be my mission as governor.
How is your campaign taking on your self-funding billionaire opponent? What
are you seeing when it comes to grassroots support?
Vivek Ramaswamy is an out-of-touch, self-funding billionaire who has
declared Medicaid and Medicare mistakes, flies around the state in his
private jet, and does not understand the struggles of everyday Ohioans. We
cannot trust him to fight for hard-working Ohio families.
While Ramaswamy receives funding from out-of-state billionaires like Elon
Musk, my campaign is seeing historic grassroots support from every corner
of Ohio. From rural counties and small towns to legacy cities like my
hometown of Youngstown and throughout Ohio’s Appalachian communities, I am
seeing support for change across the state.
We are breaking fundraising records, raising more than any other Democratic
candidate for governor in Ohio history. My campaign is fueled by Ohioans
giving grassroots donations under $30.
It’s clear: Ohioans are ready for change.
What are your policy priorities and the most urgent issues you want to
address for Ohioans?
Dr. Acton: The number one issue Ohioans across the state agree on is the overwhelming
cost of everyday living. As governor, I am dedicated to making life in Ohio
more affordable. While my opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, calls affordability a
“buzzword,” the reality is that electricity bills, healthcare costs, and
gas prices are rising, and Ohioans are struggling to get ahead. That is why
my number one priority is to lower costs for Ohio families. I will fight to
institute a working family tax cut, lower healthcare costs, deliver
property tax relief, take on corruption, and combat soaring energy and
costs that hold families back. I am committed to ensuring that every Ohioan
has a fair shot at a good life.