Ohio's Largest Union Endorses Dr. Amy Acton for Governor

The Ohio AFL-CIO, representing 600,000 workers, backs the Democratic candidate in the upcoming election.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Ohio AFL-CIO, the state's largest union representing 600,000 workers, has endorsed Dr. Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate, in the upcoming gubernatorial election. The announcement was made at Union Hall in Columbus, where Acton discussed issues like property taxes and the cost of living, saying 'People in this state are struggling. They're doing everything right. They are working harder than they ever have worked but they can't get any breathing room.'

Why it matters

Union endorsements are highly coveted in Ohio elections, as organized labor plays a significant role in mobilizing voters. The AFL-CIO's backing of Acton is seen as a major boost for her campaign, as she seeks to appeal to working-class voters concerned about economic issues like the cost of living.

The details

Acton, a Democrat, is running against Republican billionaire businessman Vivek Ramaswamy in the upcoming gubernatorial election. While Ramaswamy has also secured some union endorsements, the AFL-CIO's support for Acton is viewed as a significant development in the race.

  • The Ohio gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026, about nine months from now.

The players

Dr. Amy Acton

The Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, who previously served as the state's health director during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vivek Ramaswamy

The Republican candidate for Ohio governor, a billionaire businessman.

Ohio AFL-CIO

The largest labor union in Ohio, representing approximately 600,000 workers across the state.

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What they’re saying

“I am running for governor because people in this state are struggling. They're doing everything right. They are working harder than they ever have worked but they can't get any breathing room.”

— Dr. Amy Acton (WCMH)

What’s next

The Ohio gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026, and the endorsement of the Ohio AFL-CIO is expected to be a significant factor in the race between Acton and Ramaswamy.

The takeaway

The endorsement of Dr. Amy Acton by Ohio's largest union, the AFL-CIO, highlights the importance of economic issues like the cost of living and property taxes in the upcoming gubernatorial election. The union's support is seen as a major boost for Acton's campaign as she seeks to appeal to working-class voters in the state.