FILE - Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton gives an update on the state's preparedness and education efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Cleveland, Ohio, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)

The most prominent Democrat so far in the 2026 race for Ohio governor will address the 2025 Washington County Democratic Party Spring Dinner in April.

Dr. Amy Acton, the former head of the Ohio Department of Health at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be the keynote speaker at the dinner, planned for Friday, April 25, at the Armory on Front Street.

Candidates for local elections will also speak, along with other guests.

Acton announced her plans to run for governor in January. On the Republican side, the field so far includes Republican Attorney General Dave Yost, former state Martin Luther King Commission member Heather Hill and biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

Tickets for the dinner are $50 and on sale now by calling Willa O’Neill at 740-516-4913 or Lisa Bammerlin at 740-629-7697. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour starting at 5:30.

A special VIP meet-and-greet with Acton will be held prior to the meeting. Tickets for that reception and the dinner are $100 per person. Space is limited, and those wishing to attend are asked to contact 740-516-4913.

People are asked to RSVP for the dinner soon but no later than April 21.