The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Can a Democrat Win Ohio’s Governor Race? Dr. Amy Acton Says Yes

Date: November 15, 2025
Host(s): Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)
Main Guest: Dr. Amy Acton, Democratic candidate for Ohio Governor

Overview

This episode dives into the upcoming 2026 Ohio governor's race, centered on the prospects of Democrat Dr. Amy Acton flipping the state blue against Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent MAGA-aligned Republican contender. Through an in-depth discussion, the hosts and Dr. Acton explore the major issues driving Ohio voters, the failures of MAGA leadership in the state, Acton’s compelling personal story, and the momentum she is witnessing across party lines. With data, stories from the campaign trail, and candid reflections, the episode offers a hopeful, detailed examination of what it might take for a Democrat to win in one of the country's most pivotal battleground states.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ohio’s Political Landscape & Voter Sentiment

(02:03 – 07:55)

• Ohio is experiencing growing discontent with Trump and MAGA Republicans.
  • Trump’s Ohio approval: Down to 40%, disapproval up to 51-52%.
  • Governor Mike DeWine’s approval: Only 32%.
  • “Ohio despises its current MAGA leadership and Ohio's being run by Republicans and being run into the ground.” — Political Commentator (02:35)
• Dr. Amy Acton is polling strongly, especially with independents and even some Republican crossover.
  • "Dr. Amy Acton is way up with independent voters against ... Vivek Ramaswamy, plus 19 over Vivek ... in the Bowling Green poll." — Political Commentator (03:38)
  • Net favorables: Acton +14 (all voters), +21 (independents); Ramaswamy +1 (all voters), -14 (independents).
• Key issues hurting MAGA credibility: farm policies, manufacturing declines, healthcare coverage, cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, skyrocketing premiums.

2. Dr. Acton’s Platform: Affordability & Public Service

(08:01 – 11:24)

• Acton’s background deeply informs her campaign, having grown up poor, overcoming homelessness and abuse.
  • “Growing up without stable housing, reliable meals or basic necessities—I understand what that's like.” — Dr. Amy Acton (07:18)
• Her focus is on affordability: gas, groceries, healthcare access, housing, and childcare.
  • "People are not talking about ... the culture wars. They are talking about the fact that they are longing for public servants again who solve problems instead of make problems." — Dr. Amy Acton (10:24)
• She recounts rural hardship, like driving over an hour to see a doctor, and rising utility bills.

3. Bipartisan Appeal & Deep Listening

(10:24 – 16:33)

• Acton’s campaign draws large, diverse crowds, including many first-time or independent participants.
• She stresses the importance of deep listening—contrasting her approach with typical politicians.
  • “They want you to talk about the affordability ... of everyday life ... groceries and gas ... housing, it is child care. It is aging in place with dignity.” — Dr. Amy Acton (10:53)
  • “I want to see humility back in politicians to listen to what people are saying.” — Ben (15:15)
• Critiques current MAGA leaders for caring more about culture wars than practical issues.

4. Policy Criticism: Ramaswamy, Public Schools, and Trickledown Economics

(12:28 – 16:42)

• Criticism of opponent Vivek Ramaswamy for being out of touch and rarely present in state.
  • “He’s hardly ever in Ohio. He’s flying around in his private jet while we are literally driving around in an old Jeep and listening deeply.” — Dr. Amy Acton (12:37)
• Ramaswamy’s attacks on public education via big-dollar donors.
  • "He has outwardly said he wants to end teachers unions. I'm married to a 43 year public school, elementary school teacher and a coach and literally public schools saved my life as a kid." — Dr. Amy Acton (14:03)
• Ohio’s state apparatus heavily gerrymandered and governed by trickle-down economics, failing to address real needs.
  • “Our biggest export in this state is young people. This is a travesty.” — Dr. Amy Acton (14:58)

5. Personal Stories & Empathy in Public Service

(16:42 – 19:35)

• Dr. Acton shares her personal experience with poverty, child hunger, and the impact of community support.
  • “When you're a kid growing up hungry ... a couple would pull my brother and I up on the porch ... just to feed us breakfast because they knew we were hungry.” — Dr. Amy Acton (17:44)
• Recounts current food insecurity: recently watched “400 cars go through a line and then we ran out of food. And there were 65 cars still waiting in line ... We all literally watched all these cars drive away empty handed.” — Dr. Amy Acton (18:55)
• Her campaign theme: “all of us linking arms together to not look the other way in the face of extreme wealth, power, and ideology against all the rest of us.” (17:20)

6. How to Get Involved & Final Thoughts

(19:35 – 21:33)

• Dr. Acton invites listeners to visit actinforgovernor.com and support her grassroots, science-driven campaign.
  • "I'm a doctor, not a politician but I am a lifelong public servant ... I'm up against a very famous self funding billionaire with a lot of friends of the lake and I would love for you to learn more about our race." — Dr. Amy Acton (19:45)
• She draws a stark contrast between her empathetic approach and Ramaswamy’s focus on self-promotion and dodging accountability.
  • “If somebody won’t stand up for the most awful and heinous crimes they’re absolutely not going to stand up for the rest of us ... on issues of cost and affordability...” — Dr. Amy Acton (20:30)
• Expresses optimism: “We are in a very, very important fight. I believe we're going to flip this state.” (21:13)

Memorable Quotes & Moments (by Timestamp)

• “Ohio despises its current MAGA leadership and Ohio's being run by Republicans and being run into the ground.”
  — Political Commentator (02:35)

• “Dr. Amy Acton is way up with independent voters against ... Vivek Ramaswamy, plus 19 over Vivek ... in the Bowling Green poll.”
  — Political Commentator (03:38)

• “It's starting to feel like it's not a Democrat, Republican or independent issue. Dr. Amy Acton says it's extreme wealth, power and ideology versus taking care of all things that every everyday Ohio care about.”
  — Political Commentator (05:12)

• “People are ... longing for public servants again who solve problems instead of make problems.”
  — Dr. Amy Acton (10:24)

• “I want to see humility back in politicians to listen to what people are saying.”
  — Ben (15:15)

• "He’s hardly ever in Ohio. He’s flying around in his private jet while we are literally driving around in an old Jeep and listening deeply."
  — Dr. Amy Acton (12:37)

• “Our biggest export in this state is young people. This is a travesty.”
  — Dr. Amy Acton (14:58)

• “When you're a kid growing up hungry ... a couple would pull my brother and I up on the porch ... just to feed us breakfast because they knew we were hungry.”
  — Dr. Amy Acton (17:44)

• "I'm a doctor, not a politician but I am a lifelong public servant ... I'm up against a very famous self funding billionaire ... and I would love for you to learn more about our race."
  — Dr. Amy Acton (19:45)

Notable Timestamps

• 02:03 — Discontent with MAGA leadership, polling numbers.
• 03:38 — Acton’s polling with independents; Ramaswamy as GOP rival.
• 07:18 — Acton’s personal statement on economic hardship.
• 10:24 — Acton describes what Ohioans care about & the shift away from culture wars.
• 12:37 — Critique of Ramaswamy’s campaign style and priorities.
• 14:03 — Defense of public schools, value of teachers unions.
• 17:44 — Childhood hunger, the importance of community support.
• 18:55 — Current food insecurity in Ohio.
• 19:45 — Call to action for campaign support.
• 20:30 — On accountability and character in leadership.
• 21:13 — Acton’s optimism on flipping Ohio.

Tone & Style

The episode blends serious political analysis with the MeidasTouch signature warmth, humor, and banter. Dr. Acton’s candid, humble storytelling grounds the conversation in empathy and pragmatic hope. The tone is determined, occasionally indignant about MAGA failures, but ultimately optimistic and invigorating about democratic possibilities in Ohio.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

• Gives an inside look at how major, often "red" states like Ohio can become battlegrounds when leaders address real-life struggles and listen to voters’ needs.
• Spotlights the power of personal story and lived experience in politics.
• Offers a refreshing approach: compassion + science-based, grassroots campaigning as a winning formula.
• If you're interested in Democratic strategy, voter sentiment in the Midwest, or are simply inspired by underdog stories, this conversation is a must-listen.

To support Dr. Amy Acton's campaign or learn more, visit actinforgovernor.com