Acton has faced backlash from Democrats over her comments against trans athletes. 

Last week, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton faced backlash from her party last week after she said in an interview that she does “not support boys playing in girls sports.”

“I do not support boys playing in girls sports. This is already settled law in Ohio, and as governor I will enforce and uphold the law. As a doctor, public servant, and a mom, I will always stand up for fairness and protect kids’ health and safety,” Acton said. 

In Ohio, trans students have been banned from participating in female athletics since 2024. The law overrode a December 2023 veto from Governor Mike DeWine. It also includes protections for minors against transgender procedures. 

Democrats immediately pushed back against her comment, which does not align with the party’s general stance that trans athletes should be permitted to play in girls sports. The Ohio Democratic Progressive Caucus said its members, which include LGBTQ+ voters, are now less likely to help with her campaign. The group has since deleted the comment. 

After receiving backlash, Acton addressed her remarks from the controversial interview.

“We are in the middle of political season, and one of the hallmarks of political season is pitting us against one another and intentionally creating fear and chaos for the people who are already dealing with a lot, and I think that’s a crime. Nonetheless, this is settled law in Ohio as well as now the Supreme Court, and what I am hearing from Ohioans is they want me to focus on lowering costs in this state.”

“ZERO Ohioans have become better able to buy groceries by keeping child sport players away from their favorite sport. Our hearts break for those kids. Those who disagree with that will never vote – let alone doorknock – for Amy Acton,” wrote the caucus in a statement. 

“Despite our disagreement on this issue, we remain ready to work with her to achieve our shared goals to improve life in Ohio,” the statement continued. 

“Currently her inner circle does not include a voice representing the newest and largest constituency caucus in Ohio. We believe she will be best equipped to win in November by having a FULL picture of what her constituents want. We hope she will allow us to provide our missing piece of that picture as she goes forward.”

According to analysis, allowing men to participate in women’s sports has resulted in over 600 women losing 890 medals to men. Female athletes have also faced injuries when forced to compete against male athletes. 

Acton will face Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in November.