Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, recently cited a 50 percent mortality rate for COVID‑19 during a podcast discussion, using the figure to support her early pandemic measures.
Acton described a dramatic decline in that rate to 5 percent by June, attributing the reduction to swift, decisive actions taken while Ohio reopened. The statement was intended to showcase her effectiveness as former Director of the Ohio Department of Health.
In reality, national data show a much lower overall mortality rate. Across the United States, 275,000 deaths occurred in 2020, with an age‑adjusted death rate of 15.9 percent and an even lower 11.3 percent when limiting to deaths caused by COVID‑19.
Acton’s office clarified that the 50 percent figure referenced hospital death rates. The same interview also included criticism of Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who had called for mandatory testing and promoted a biomarker‑based segregation strategy.
Ramaswamy’s spokesperson dismissed the claims, labeling them as misinformation. A former ally of Acton’s, a spokesperson for the campaign, countered that the criticism was politically motivated.
Acton has long faced opposition from Republicans over the severity of Ohio’s early restrictions, yet she maintains that her collaboration with Governor Mike DeWine was effective in protecting public health.
Under her guidance, Ohio was among the first states to close schools on March 16, issue stay‑home orders, and limit public gatherings to 50 and later 100 people. Early in the pandemic she had overestimated local case numbers, later correcting herself to a more cautious estimate.
The former health director later disagreed with DeWine on allowing county fairs and on partnerships with private entities, citing concerns that the events could spread the virus. She stepped down in June, claiming that COVID policy had become politicized and that special interests were receiving advantages.
With the Democratic primary now concluded, Acton will face Ramaswamy in the November general election, as the state prepares for a new gubernatorial contest.
