Police were summoned to the residence of Amy Acton, a Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, during a 2019 domestic disturbance that involved shattered glass and concerns regarding her wellbeing, as reported.
Officers in Bexley, a Columbus suburb, responded to the incident described as a ‘domestic dispute’ at Acton’s home in August 2019. Reports indicate that she removed a mirror from the wall, leading to broken glass after she became upset, feeling that her husband was provoking her.
Acton admitted to officers that she had consumed alcohol and taken a combination of prescription medications, and she was preparing to leave when her husband dissuaded her from doing so. He also acknowledged having had drinks that evening.
A medic at the scene suggested that Acton should seek medical attention, but she refused. The police found no evidence of physical violence, categorizing the situation as a verbal disagreement related to her demanding work schedule.
The incident remained largely under wraps as Acton gained recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, working closely with Governor Mike DeWine in daily briefings. She stepped down in June 2020 and has since declared her intention to run for governor.
At 60 years old, Acton is expected to challenge Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur with endorsements from DeWine and Donald Trump. In response to the police report, her campaign contested several details, asserting that she only had one drink at dinner and that she accidentally bumped a wall hanging during a disagreement.
Her campaign claims she went to bed and was asleep by the time officers arrived, asserting that she was not inebriated and that the medications were part of her routine. They also disputed the need for medical assistance, maintaining that any issues would have been noted in the police report.
The Bexley police department did not provide a response to inquiries. A spokesperson for Acton emphasized her dedication to public service during her time as Health Director.
Until recently, few within the DeWine administration were aware of the 2019 incident. The governor’s office stated he learned of it only after being contacted by journalists.
DeWine’s spokesperson noted that the governor was previously uninformed of either the incident or the police report regarding Acton, expressing disappointment that she did not disclose this to him at the time.
Previously, DeWine praised Acton but later endorsed Ramaswamy after trying unsuccessfully to recruit another candidate. Ohio’s political landscape has shifted predominantly Republican in the last few decades, though signs indicate a potentially competitive race as Democrats remain hopeful.
Acton’s role during the pandemic has become a pivotal topic, drawing criticism from conservatives over lockdown measures, while others supported her as a reliable public health figure.
Protests outside her home and at the Statehouse, some featuring aggressive messaging, highlighted the divisive nature of her tenure. Acton, who is Jewish, glossed over these protests when she resigned, prioritizing family time.
DeWine at the time commended her service, describing her as a ‘hero’ in the healthcare sector. She briefly served as an advisor before exiting the administration in August 2020.
In her gubernatorial run, Acton emphasizes her challenging upbringing marked by poverty and homelessness, later becoming a pediatrician and earning a public health degree from Ohio State. Republicans have criticized her departure from the administration during the crisis.
Senate President Rob McColley pointed out her resignation, arguing Ohio needs a leader focused on economic growth rather than someone perceived as lacking resolve.
DeWine has accepted responsibility for the pandemic responses, asserting that he alone made those critical decisions.
