COLUMBUS, OHIO — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton is facing a revolt from within her own party after telling The Toledo Blade on June 30 that she does “not support boys playing in girls sports.” The comment drew immediate backlash from progressive groups and activists who say Acton betrayed the very base that fueled her campaign.
In the interview, Acton said: “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.” Her remarks came in the wake of a 6-3 U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing states to bar transgender girls from girls’ and women’s sports teams. Ohio law has restricted transgender students from female athletics since 2024.
The response from her own side was swift. The Ohio Democratic Progressive Caucus — in a statement it later deleted — acknowledged that its members had a range of reactions to the comment and said they are now less likely to help with her campaign. Progressive leaders went further. Maria Bruno, executive director of Ohioans Against Extremism, criticized Acton for “trying to triangulate a response rather than just being frank,” calling the episode frustrating, according to WCMH/NBC4 Columbus. Democratic State Representative Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) said publicly that he hopes Acton changes her mind.
The episode cuts to the core of who Amy Acton is as a candidate: someone who will say whatever is politically convenient for the moment. Her own progressive allies have now said as much — openly, on the record. When the base that built your campaign no longer trusts you to mean what you say, Ohioans across the political spectrum have every reason to ask the same question.
The Ohio Republican Party will continue to hold Amy Acton accountable to the record — not the rhetoric.
