OHIO — A nonprofit political group pledged to give $5 million to the state's former Ohio Department of Health (ODH) director's campaign Friday, if she decides to run.
Dr. Amy Acton has yet to announce a bid for Sen. Rob Portman's (R) seat in 2022, but she is among the possible contenders, along with Rep. Tim Ryan (D).
"I can confirm reporting that we’re prepared to spend up to $5 million for Dr. Acton — in the primary, if she formally enters. We were encouraged by the consistency of the polling we did for the primary and the general," said John Sweeney, the spokesperson for the 314 Acton Fund.
The 314 Acton Fund works to get Democratic candidates with math, STEM and science backgrounds into office. The group began backing Acton two weeks ago, and in a Public Policy Polling survey commissioned by the group, 64% of likely Democratic voters said they favored Acton, 5% had an unfavorable opinion, and 31% didn't have an opinion.
From February 2019 to June 2020, Acton served as the director of ODH, helping Gov. Mike DeWine guide the state through the pandemic. Later on, she began working for the The Columbus Foundation. But she left her job in February 2021, and said she was exploring the possibility of running for Senate.
So far, no Democrats have announced a run for the seat, but Acton, Ryan, House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes and Franklin County Recorder Danny O'Connor are reportedly considering it.
On the Republican side, former State Treasurer Josh Mandel and former Ohio GOP Chair Jane Timken have officially launched their campaigns. State Sen. Matt Doland, U.S. Reps. Steve Stivers and Mike Turner, along with Cleveland businessmen Bernie Moreno and Mike Gibbons are reportedly considering a bid.
According to Politico, former President Donald Trump invited four of them to his fundraiser in Florida Wednesday. Mandel, Moreno, Gibbons and Timken attended, and they reportedly had a backroom meeting with the president. There, Timken and Mandel exchanged words on whose campaign was stronger and will likely win. Most of the attendees reported there being the most tension between Mandel and Timken, who tried to "outdo each other." Trump reportedly made no indication over who he was backing, and he has yet to endorse a candidate.
Taylor Popielarz contributed to this report.