Acton announces run for Ohio governor

State of play: Acton has no elected office experience and previously considered a Senate run in 2021.

• She could become the first woman elected as governor.
• Attorney General Dave Yost is planning a gubernatorial campaign on the Republican side, while Gov. Mike DeWine is term-limited from running again.

Flashback: Acton was thrust into the spotlight during the governor's daily pandemic press conferences in 2020.

• She earned widespread recognition for her calm explanations and push for public closures amid the virus' early spread.

Yes, but: State health orders also drew sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers who enacted legislation curbing the health director's power and from protesters who demonstrated outside her home.

• Acton resigned in June 2020, spent a few months as DeWine's health adviser, then left the administration that August.

Since then, Acton has held stints leading Kind Columbus and RAPID 5, a nonprofit dedicated to outdoor recreation, before turning her attention to the governor's race last year.