(Photo by Gwen Sour) From left, Nancy Fortney greets Dr. Amy Acton at the Washington County Democrats Spring Dinner at the Armory on Friday evening.

Dr. Amy Acton, the former Director of the Ohio Department of Health and a prominent figure during the state’s COVID-19 response, visited the Washington County Democrats Spring Dinner in Marietta this week as part of her statewide listening tour.

Her visit marks an early step in what is expected to be a campaign for governor, as she explores a bid rooted in public service and unity.

In a conversation during her visit, Acton reflected on her decision to run, emphasizing that her campaign is driven by a deep connection with Ohioans and a desire to address the state’s ongoing struggles.

“This has been a long journey coming for me,” Acton said. “After COVID, I was approached by people from both parties because of how I connected with Ohioans. We went through something incredibly hard together, and that created a bond.”

Acton, a physician by training, is positioning herself as a candidate focused on compassion, competence, and integrity.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Elliot Forhan, a Democrat who is running for Ohio Attorney General.

“I’m a doctor, not a politician,” she said. “But I’ve been a lifelong public servant. Our campaign theme is simple: we refuse to look the other way while people are struggling.”

During her stop in Marietta, Acton praised the community’s warmth and energy, calling it a “beautiful, vibrant place.” She noted that while she had visited the area in an official capacity before, this visit felt different.

“I’m coming here now to really listen. People are turning out in record numbers across Ohio to share their stories, their struggles, and their hopes for what our state could be.”

While Ohio remains a Republican-leaning state, Acton is optimistic about building a broad coalition.

“Everywhere I go, people tell me they’re ready for something different. The statehouse is filled with chaos and special interests, and people are tired of it,” she said. “They want leaders who use common sense for the common good.”

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Wenda Sheard, a Democrat who is running to be a state representative.

Acton spoke candidly about her past, including a difficult childhood and her path through medical school, which she completed while working three jobs. She said that overcoming adversity has shaped her worldview and given her the resilience to face tough challenges. “COVID was just one moment you saw on camera,” she said. “But I’ve spent my whole life fighting for people behind the scenes.”

With stops like Marietta, Acton is laying the groundwork for a campaign that focuses on listening first. She says her goal is to build a vision of Ohio that works for everyone, a “North Star” to guide the state forward.

“There’s a real hunger right now for leadership that unites us, not divides us,” she said. “People are ready for a better future, and so am I.”

Also in Marietta was Elliot Forhan, a Democratic candidate for Ohio Attorney General, who is running on a platform focused on tackling corruption, protecting public schools, and holding the powerful accountable.

A key issue in Forhan’s campaign is public education funding, particularly his opposition to House Bill 96, which proposes significant cuts to public school funding while expanding private school voucher programs.

“Make no mistake, this bill is designed to destroy public education in Ohio,” he warned. “They’re defunding our schools to give tax cuts to their rich friends. It’s unacceptable.”

Forhan also shared how his personal background influences his political philosophy. Raised by two mothers, he officiated their wedding in 2015 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalizing same-sex marriage.

“My parents taught me the values of kindness, hard work, and fighting for equality,” he said. “That’s exactly what I’ll bring to the Attorney General’s office.”

Also campaigning in the region was Wenda Sheard, who is running for state representative. A strong advocate for equitable school funding, Sheard supports continuing the six-year funding plan designed to meet the Ohio Constitution’s requirement for a “thorough and efficient system of common schools.” She didn’t stop at education, however. Sheard also addressed mental health and addiction services–issues she says are deeply personal and urgent for southeastern Ohio.

“There’s a wonderful ADAMH board here in Washington County doing crucial prevention and support work,” Sheard noted. “Investing in mental health and addiction services ultimately saves us money, and lives.”

Additional local candidates included Marietta City Council members Erin O’Neill and Harley Noland who would be running for reelection in November.