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Amy Acton's COVID record hangs over Ohio governor's race
Washington Examiner • • nation
Key Points:
- Amy Acton, former Ohio health director, became well-known for her pandemic briefings and earned a 2021 JFK Profile in Courage Award, but faced criticism and nicknames like “Dr. Lockdown” for her strict COVID-19 policies.
- Vice President JD Vance and some Ohio Republicans criticize Acton for her pandemic decisions, accusing her of following bureaucracy blindly and not making tough leadership choices, with some calling her a “puppet” of the left.
- Acton’s refusal to debate Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and her resignation amid pressure during the pandemic have fueled GOP attacks, though polls show a close race with Acton holding an edge among independents and women.
- Supporters of Acton emphasize the difficulty of managing the pandemic and credit her efforts with saving lives, while some voters see the pandemic as a closed chapter and do not view her COVID record as a major concern.
- The Ohio Senate race is becoming increasingly personal, with COVID-19 policies central to the debate, reflecting deep divisions among voters on Acton’s legacy and leadership during the public health crisis.
