COVID-19 pandemic's long shadow creeps into race for Ohio governor
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Dr. Amy Acton, former Ohio public health director and Democratic candidate for governor, faces challenges in a Republican-dominated state, with her COVID-19 pandemic response becoming a focal point of criticism from opponents.
- Acton gained statewide recognition during the pandemic for implementing public health orders like school closures and business restrictions, which remain controversial and are being used against her by Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.
- Ramaswamy, a wealthy Republican with national name recognition, criticizes Acton’s pandemic policies as threats to freedom, while Acton’s campaign defends her actions as necessary for saving lives and prioritizing public health.
- Both candidates have ties to Ohio’s pandemic response: Acton as health director and Ramaswamy through his biotech companies and advisory role, though Ramaswamy has distanced himself from his past COVID-related activities since entering politics.
- The pandemic’s lasting social and political impact continues to influence voter attitudes in Ohio, making public health a contentious issue in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
