Amy Acton, Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, speaks to the media Friday, July 3, in front of RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton after she participated in the city’s America250 parade. JEN BALDUF / STAFF
Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton made a stop Friday, July 3, in Dayton to participate in the city’s America250 parade.
Across Ohio, Acton, formerly the state’s public health director, said she’s hearing from people that they are exhausted by the hate and chaos and are longing for public servants who solve problems and build a sense of pride.
“I think the 250th is the perfect time for us to revisit what we believe in in this country about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” she said in RiverScape MetroPark following the half-mile parade that started at East Second Street near Cooper Park and ended at Jefferson Street near the county park.
“It’s an honor to be here in Dayton. There’s so many things I love about this city. We’re standing near one of my favorites, which is everything that’s been done around the river,” she said.
With the rise of data centers in Ohio, Dayton recently banned them. Acton said she supports Dayton’s right to make the decisions that are best for the community. Communities should lead the way in any kind of development, she said.
“I’m a big fan of home rule, so you’re going to see that from me as governor,” she said. “… I think it’s one of the strengths of Ohio.”
“Ohio is always going to be open for business. I’m very pro-growth, pro everything that improves our quality of life, but we aren’t for sale,” she said.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has started taking steps for data centers to pay for the energy and related equipment they use. This spring, the PUCO approved a new rate structure for one utility company that requires new data centers to pay a minimum monthly customer charge, according to the commission.
“I know my electric bill went up $140 last summer. I noticed it, and I really believe that we can do things in a way that is successful. We can protect our environment. We can have good-paying union jobs as a part of this, so I really think the state plays a big role in making this work for Ohioans and not the other way around,” she said.
Amy Acton, Ohio’s Democratic candidate in the November gubernatorial election, waves Friday, July 3, 2026, during the city of Dayton’s America250 parade. JEN BALDUF / STAFF
When it comes to the Haitian community in Springfield, Acton said she shares Gov. Mike DeWine’s stance. The Ohio governor has called on the Trump administration to reconsider ending the temporary protected status for Haitian immigrants following the Supreme Court’s recent decision.
“I know that Springfield is going through a lot right now,” Acton said. “It’s incredible that folks were very much here legally under asylum and they’ve done so much to bring the city back. My heart is with them and the whole community.”
There are an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Haitians in Springfield, the vast majority of whom have TPS or other forms of legal status.
In the meantime, Haitian TPS holders will keep their status and employment authorization until lower courts “align with the U.S. Supreme Court’s favorable decision” that clears the way for the Trump administration to end the program.
Amy Acton, Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, speaks to the media Friday, July 3, in front of RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton following the city’s America250 parade. JEN BALDUF / STAFF
When asked for a response from the campaign of Acton’s opponent, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, campaign spokesman Evan Machan issued the following statement:
“Amy Acton is a failed bureaucrat with a record of putting government first and Ohio families last. During COVID, she put the heavy hand of government on Ohioans’ backs — shutting down schools, businesses, and our way of life. Now she is offering more of the same: bigger government, more spending, higher taxes, and fewer opportunities. Ohioans cannot afford Amy Acton. Vivek is different. He is a businessman, not a career politician, and he will bring common sense to state government by lowering costs, growing paychecks, improving schools, and making Ohio the most affordable state in America to live, work, and raise a family.”
