Equality Ohio Downgrades Dr. Amy Acton's Grade Over Anti-Trans Remarks
Equality Ohio, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, has downgraded Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton's grade from an 'A' to 'Pending' on its 2026 Candidate Scorecard. This decision follows Acton's comments to the Toledo Blade, where she expressed support for Ohio's ban on transgender athletes, stating, 'I do not support boys playing in girls sports.' Equality Ohio criticized these remarks as harmful and reflective of a broader pattern of scapegoating transgender individuals. The organization emphasized that voters prefer leaders focused on issues like affordability and freedom from discrimination. Acton's campaign website includes a commitment to anti-discrimination laws but lacks specific protections for gender identity or expression. Her opponent, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, received an 'F' on the scorecard. Transgender candidate Ari Childrey supported Equality Ohio's decision, stating that no candidate should use harmful rhetoric against trans youth. 
