FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2026
February 25, 2026
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-374-6491
[email protected]
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Dr. Amy Acton for Ohio Governor
AFGE says Acton supports public-sector workers and their union rights
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. –– The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Dr. Amy Acton for election as Ohio’s next governor in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is May 5, and the general election is Nov. 3.
A native of Youngstown, Dr. Acton grew up in a working-class family and worked her way through college and medical school before starting her career as a practicing physician. She emerged as a community leader for children’s health as director of Project L.O.V.E., a partnership between Columbus-area hospitals and community stakeholders focused on children’s preventative health needs.
In 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine selected Acton to serve as director of the Ohio Department of Health, where she worked on a bipartisan basis to tackle the opioid epidemic and provided steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As governor of Ohio, Amy Acton will support all workers in Ohio and she will support and listen to the concerns of all Ohioans,” AFGE District 6 National Vice President Arnold Scott said.
Unlike her opponent, Acton understand the importance of public service and appreciates the critical work public-sector employees do on behalf of all Americans, Scott said. She is a vocal supporter of unions and supports collective bargaining rights for all employees.
Acton’s husband, Eric, is a lifelong teacher and coach and a proud member of the Ohio Federation of Teachers. They live in Bexley with their six children.
More than 56,000 federal employees live in Ohio – caring for veterans, supporting the military, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents nearly 47,000 federal employees in District 6, which includes Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
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