Amy Acton is an American physician, public health expert, researcher and politician from Ohio. She became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic when she served as director of the Ohio Department of Health. Her calm and clear explanations during the state’s coronavirus briefings made her a familiar face across the country.
Acton later returned to politics and became the Democratic nominee for governor of Ohio in 2026. Her career has taken her from medicine and public health to state government and electoral politics.
| Full Name | Amy Leigh Acton |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Amy Leigh Stearns |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1966 |
| Age | 60 years old in 2026 |
| Birthplace | Youngstown, Ohio, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Physician, researcher, public health expert and politician |
| Political Party | Democratic Party |
| Education | Youngstown State University, Northeast Ohio Medical University and The Ohio State University |
| Medical Degree | MD |
| Public Health Degree | Master of Public Health |
| Husband | Eric Acton |
| Children | Six in a blended family |
| Former Position | Director of the Ohio Department of Health |
| Governor Campaign | Democratic nominee for Governor of Ohio in 2026 |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 6 inches (estimated) |
Amy Acton Age
Amy Acton was born on February 16, 1966, in Youngstown, Ohio. She is 60 years old in 2026.
Acton grew up in Youngstown and has spoken about facing difficult circumstances during her childhood. After her parents divorced, she experienced periods of instability and homelessness. By seventh grade, she moved in with her father and found a more stable home environment.
Her early experiences had a strong influence on her interest in helping people and improving public health. She later worked hard to build an academic and medical career.
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Amy Acton Education
Acton attended Youngstown State University before going to Northeast Ohio Medical University, where she earned her medical degree.
She later earned a Master of Public Health from The Ohio State University. Her education combined medicine with public health, which became an important part of her professional career.
Before becoming Ohio’s health director, Acton worked in medicine, research, education and community health. She also taught at The Ohio State University College of Public Health.
Amy Acton as Ohio Health Director
In 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed Acton as director of the Ohio Department of Health. She took the position on February 26, 2019.
Her profile grew rapidly in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic reached the United States. Acton appeared alongside Governor DeWine during regular public briefings and explained Ohio’s health measures to residents.
Her communication style made her one of the most recognizable public health officials in the country during the early months of the pandemic. She discussed topics such as social distancing, testing, school closures and protecting vulnerable people.
Acton resigned from her position as Ohio’s health director in June 2020. Her pandemic leadership later earned her major recognition, including the 2021 Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.
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Who Is Amy Acton’s Husband?
Amy Acton’s husband is Eric Acton. The couple married in 2010.
Eric Acton is a teacher and track coach in Ohio. He has worked in education for many years and has largely stayed away from the political spotlight surrounding his wife.
Amy was previously married to Douglas Beech. They married in 1989 and had three children together before divorcing in 2008.
Eric also has three children from a previous marriage. Amy and Eric therefore have a blended family of six children.
Amy Acton Height
Amy Acton’s height is around 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm).
Amy Acton Net Worth
Her net worth is estimated to be around $700k. Her career has included work as a physician, university educator, public health official and nonprofit professional. She has also disclosed investments and financial information as part of her political career.
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Amy Acton’s Political Career
Acton’s work in public health eventually led her back into politics. She announced her campaign for governor of Ohio in January 2025.
She won the Democratic primary in May 2026 and became the Democratic nominee for governor. She is running against Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy in the November 2026 general election.
Her campaign has focused on issues including healthcare, education, economic security and improving the quality of life for Ohio families.
Amy Acton and the 2026 Ohio Governor Race
Acton’s experience as a doctor and former state health director is a major part of her political identity. Her handling of the COVID-19 response remains one of the best-known parts of her public career.
In September 2026, Acton was involved in a security incident while attending the Canfield Fair in Ohio. Authorities said an armed man forced his way through a crowd toward Acton. Several people were injured, but Acton was not harmed. The suspect was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and two counts of assault.
The incident drew condemnation from political figures on both sides of the Ohio governor’s race.
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Amy Acton Awards and Recognition
Acton has received recognition for her work in medicine, education and public health.
- 2015: Excellence in Teaching Award from The Ohio State University College of Public Health
- 2021: Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
- 2022: Ohio honoree in USA TODAY’s Women of the Year
Amy Acton’s husband is Eric Acton. They married in 2010. Eric is a teacher and track coach in Ohio.
Amy Acton and Eric Acton have a blended family of six children. Amy has three children from her previous marriage, while Eric also has three children from his previous marriage.
Yes. Amy Acton is a physician. She earned her medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and a Master of Public Health from The Ohio State University.