Trending Now - Covid-19's Impact Looms Over Ohio Governor's Race

WHO:

AP News - Dr. Amy Acton, a Democrat running unopposed in her party’s primary for Ohio governor.

AP News - Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican presumed opponent in the general election.

AP News - Mike DeWine, Republican Governor of Ohio during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AP News - Addie Bullock, spokesperson for Dr. Acton’s campaign.

AP News - Zac Haines, a Republican campaigning for the state Senate.

WHAT:

AP News - Acton aims to be the first Democrat in 20 years to win the Ohio governor's office.

AP News - Ramaswamy has accused Acton of spreading “COVID ideology.”

AP News - Acton was Ohio’s public health director during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AP News - Ohio ranked 22nd among states in per capita death rate from COVID-19 during the pandemic’s first year.

AP News - Ramaswamy is airing ads criticizing Acton for her actions during the pandemic, including closing schools and businesses.

AP News - Ramaswamy's campaign events have seen attendees booing at the mention of Acton’s name.

WHERE:

AP News - Columbus, Ohio, where Acton and Ramaswamy are campaigning.

AP News - Ohio, where Acton served as public health director and where the governor's race is taking place.

WHEN:

AP News - The general election is scheduled for November.

WHY:

AP News - The COVID-19 pandemic has created lingering skepticism about government health officials and policies, impacting the governor's race.

AP News - Ramaswamy aims to capitalize on public anger over the pandemic restrictions imposed by Acton and DeWine.

HOW:

AP News - Acton participated in daily COVID-19 briefings, providing information and guidance to Ohioans.

AP News - Ramaswamy has distanced himself from his past support for pandemic measures, including a national COVID registry.

(UPDATED May 2, 2026 17:14 UTC)

Dr. Amy Acton is running unopposed in the Democratic primary for Ohio governor, aiming to become the first Democrat in two decades to win the office, while she faces Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who has been critical of her pandemic policies. Ramaswamy has accused Acton of spreading “COVID ideology” and is airing ads that highlight public anger over the restrictions she implemented during her time as Ohio's public health director. The general election is set for November, and the lingering skepticism about government health officials from the pandemic continues to shape the race.