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Amy Acton’s religion is Judaism. The former Ohio health director and 2026 Democratic nominee for governor has said, “I am Jewish,” and she raised her children in the Jewish faith. Her background was mixed, and she has been active in Columbus-area Jewish institutions for years.
Early Life and Background
Acton rose to national attention as Ohio’s health director during the early COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020 she addressed her faith at a press conference, saying: “I am Jewish. Even my background was a mixed background growing up, and my children were raised in the Jewish faith,” according to the Cleveland Jewish News.
Her husband, Eric Acton, is Episcopalian, as are his children, the same outlet reported.
Amy Acton’s Religious Views and Jewish Involvement
Acton has served on the boards of the Columbus Jewish Day School, where her children attended, and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus. She also served on the board of Congregation Beth Tikvah in Worthington, a Reform synagogue where she was a member. “That was a great home for me,” she said.
In 2020 she described her first virtual Passover seder as a “healing” experience and joked that her matzah ball soup “is the best.” She told Jewish Insider that “my Jewish roots in tikkun olam have been a guiding force” in her public service.
Jewish Insider reports that she has not made her faith central to her campaign, unlike Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2022. It also reports that she faced antisemitic hate while serving as health director, and that her opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, has referred to her as “a Jewish woman.”
For another public figure with a Jewish background, see Arthur Blank’s religion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What religion is Amy Acton?
Amy Acton is Jewish. She has said, “I am Jewish,” and she raised her children in the Jewish faith.
Is Amy Acton’s husband Jewish?
No. According to the Cleveland Jewish News, her husband, Eric Acton, is Episcopalian.
What synagogue did Amy Acton belong to?
She was a member of Congregation Beth Tikvah, a Reform synagogue in Worthington, Ohio, and served on its board.
Is Amy Acton’s faith part of her campaign?
Jewish Insider reports she has not made her faith central to her campaign, though she has said her Jewish roots in tikkun olam have guided her public service.
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