BEXLEY, Ohio — Dr. Amy Acton said that while she was tremendously honored to consider a run for the U.S. Senate, she announced Tuesday she will not be entering the race to replace Sen. Rob Portman in 2022.
What You Need To Know
- Dr. Amy Acton announced she will not run for the U.S. Senate
- A seat will open when Sen. Rob Portman retires in 2022, which he announced in January
- Acton was expected to be one of the democratic candidates in a crowded field
From February 2019 to June 2020, Acton served as the director of the Ohio Department of Health, helping Gov. Mike DeWine guide the state through the COVID-19 pandemic. She later began working for the The Columbus Foundation, but she left the job in February, and said she was exploring the possibility of running for Senate.
“Please know I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from my fellow Ohioans, and from across the country,” Acton said in a press release. “I especially wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all who have worked quietly behind the scenes to help me consider this path.”
Acton was one of many in a suspected crowded race of both Republican and Democratic candidates to replace Portman after he announced his planned retirement Jan. 25.
The nonprofit organization 314 Action announced in late March it was prepared to contribute $5 million to Acton’s campaign if she officially declared her position in the race. The 314 Action Fund works to get Democratic candidates with math, STEM and science backgrounds into public office.
Acton encouraged those who sought change by calling for a new voice to represent Ohio.
“While I am not entering the race for U.S. Senate, I recognize there is a genuine longing for a fresh approach to leadership that is honest, collaborative, and empowering,” Acton said. “Ohioans — do not accept anything less from your elected officials. Our leaders’ words and actions matter. We must set the bar higher.”
She said she knows many “are tired of the vitriol and hate” and encouraged Ohioans to get involved in the future.
“What happens next isn’t the sole province of our elected officials. It is up to all of us,” she said “We must co-create an Ohio that ensures the enduring cultural values of kindness and justice for all.”
She also announced she will be taking a step back from public life to consider her next chapter of life.
