The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has endorsed Youngstown-native Amy Acton as she runs for Governor of Ohio in the 2026 race. 
 
According to AFGE’s website, they represent over 820,000 workers in the vast majority of federal agencies. AFGE provides legal representation, technical expertise, and informational services for members. As of 2024, over 56,000 federal workers call Ohio home.
 
In a press release, AFGE District 6 National Vice President Arnold Scott said Acton will serve as a support for Ohio workers.
 
 
“As governor of Ohio, Amy Acton will support all workers in Ohio, and she will support and listen to the concerns of all Ohioans,” Scott said. 
 
Acton’s rise in the government started in 2019, after Governor Mike DeWine appointed her as Director of the Ohio Department of Health. Acton played a major role in helping combat the COVID-19 pandemic, appearing daily on media networks with DeWine to provide updates. As a physician, Acton's primary focus in her career was children's health, eventually becoming a director at Project L.O.V.E—a partnership between Columbus-area hospitals and donors that helps children in need receive preventative care.
 
The Ohio primary election will be held on May 5. The general election is on November 3.