Min. Dale Edwards
Executive Director, Call & Post & Vice President, Cleveland Chapter of Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In what is shaping up to be one of the most consequential and closely watched gubernatorial races in modern Ohio history, Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton brought her campaign message of affordability, accountability, and hope to Cleveland’s Ward 2 on Sunday, drawing elected officials, community leaders, clergy, and residents to a Millcreek neighborhood meet-and-greet hosted by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and community leader Ken Johnson.

Joining Acton were Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Ward 2 Councilman Kevin Bishop, State Auditor candidate Annette Blackwell, and David Pepper, Acton’s running mate for lieutenant governor.

Yet beyond the politics and campaign speeches, many supporters in attendance spoke of something deeper — a personal story of resilience, faith, service, and overcoming adversity that they believe makes Acton uniquely qualified to lead Ohio.

Some supporters described the race as a modern-day “David versus Goliath” contest, with Acton challenging the political establishment and powerful interests that have dominated Ohio politics for years.

Drawing inspiration from the biblical account found in 1 Samuel 17, supporters compared Acton’s journey to that of David, the unlikely shepherd who faced overwhelming odds but prevailed through faith, courage, and determination.

“This campaign isn’t just about politics,” said one attendee. “It’s about whether ordinary people still have a voice.”

For many Ohioans, Acton’s life story embodies perseverance through hardship.

Raised in difficult circumstances and having experienced personal tragedy at a young age, Acton often speaks about how those challenges shaped her understanding of suffering, compassion, and service to others. Rather than allowing adversity to define her future, she pursued education, eventually becoming a physician, public health leader, and one of Ohio’s most recognizable public servants.

Many supporters point to Romans 8:28, which states, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,” as a reflection of Acton’s journey from personal hardship to public service.

Those experiences, supporters say, helped cultivate the empathy that became a hallmark of her medical career.

As a physician, Acton devoted her life to helping others heal. Throughout her career, she worked to improve healthcare access and advocate for vulnerable populations, earning a reputation for listening to patients and treating every individual with dignity and respect.

Her approach reflects the words of Jesus found in Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Supporters say that philosophy continues to guide her campaign today.

That commitment to service became visible to millions of Ohioans during one of the most challenging chapters in modern history.

As Director of the Ohio Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, Acton became a familiar face to families across the state as she helped guide Ohio through an unprecedented public health crisis. During a period marked by uncertainty, fear, and loss, she frequently emphasized protecting lives, following science, and caring for one another.

While opinions differed regarding pandemic policies, few dispute the historic significance of the moment or the enormous responsibility she carried as one of the state’s top public health officials.

On Sunday, Acton returned to themes that have become central to her campaign: lowering costs, strengthening public schools, improving healthcare, and restoring trust in government.

“We are fighting to make life affordable, to make the cost of living normal again,” Acton told the crowd. “In this state, we’re going to fight for that. We’re fighting to end corruption, and we’re fighting to save our public schools.”

She spoke passionately about the challenges facing working families.

“I know that people are struggling because they’re working harder than they ever have, and the math just doesn’t add up anymore,” she said. “It’s the housing and the rent. It’s the childcare, which is near non-existent.”

Acton also addressed healthcare disparities affecting Black communities throughout Ohio.

“We’re seeing babies born roadside, and we know, especially in the Black community, what that means for infant mortality and maternal mortality,” she said. “That’s what’s happening here in Ohio.”

Mayor Justin Bibb praised Acton’s leadership and willingness to engage voters directly.

“We don’t need just another politician in Columbus; we need a servant leader to be in the governor’s mansion,” Bibb said. “That’s why we’re not starting Labor Day weekend, we’re starting at the start of summer, because what Dr. Acton realizes is she’s not taking our vote for granted.”

Bibb’s remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from attendees, many of whom expressed appreciation for the campaign’s focus on Cleveland neighborhoods and grassroots organizing.

Ken Johnson echoed the importance of voter participation and community engagement,  discussed the importance of transparency, accountability, and expanding opportunities for working families.

As the event concluded, supporters lingered, discussing the future of Ohio and what many described as a pivotal moment for the state.

Some quoted Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Whether Dr. Amy Acton ultimately prevails in November remains to be seen. But for many gathered in Cleveland’s Ward 2, her candidacy represents more than a campaign.

It represents the belief that compassion can still matter in public service, that adversity can produce purpose, and that ordinary people can still challenge powerful forces.

In the words of the young shepherd who faced a giant, “The battle is the Lord’s.”

For Acton and her supporters, that battle for Ohio’s future has only just begun.