Joint Statement Regarding Dr. Amy Acton for Governor of Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Ohio's Two Openly Transgender Elected Officials Issue Joint Statement Regarding Dr. Amy Acton for Governor 

Amy Heutmaker and Dion Manley address Acton's June remarks, accountability, and the stakes facing transgender Ohioans in the November election 

OHIO — September 28, 2026 — Amy Heutmaker and Dion Manley are releasing the following joint statement regarding Dr. Amy Acton's campaign for governor and her June 30 comments regarding transgender girls. 

The statement reflects both of their concerns about the impact of Dr. Amy Acton's Campaign remarks on transgender Ohioans and their belief that accountability and political engagement can coexist. 

Their complete statement follows: 

Joint Statement Regarding Dr. Amy Acton for Governor 

As the only two openly transgender elected officials in Ohio, we speak here for ourselves as Ohioans. 

Like many people who read Dr. Amy Acton’s June 30 comments referring to transgender girls as “boys,” we were deeply hurt. We understand the pain those words caused at a time when transgender Ohioans, particularly young people, continue to face political and legislative attacks on their healthcare, participation in public life, and basic dignity. 

We appreciate Dr. Acton's long record of service to Ohio and her willingness to step forward to lead our state. We also hold candidates for governor to a high standard. Governing a state of nearly 12 million people requires listening, learning, and understanding communities whose experiences may be very different from one's own. 

That is why we are asking more from Dr. Acton, her campaign, and Democratic candidates across the state. 

We count on allies not simply to oppose discrimination, but to affirm our dignity, our access to healthcare, and our equal place in Ohio. Dr. Acton’s June remarks caused real pain and division, and that should not be dismissed or ignored. Accountability matters. Respect, inclusion, and dignity for transgender young people and adults are not optional. 

Accountability also includes what people do after they cause harm. We expect Dr. Acton to listen to transgender Ohioans, learn from this moment, and demonstrate through both policy and leadership that every Ohioan belongs in our state.

Our support for her does not require us to pretend the June remarks did not happen. Nor does holding her accountable require us to ignore the broader choice Ohio voters face. 

There are substantial differences between the candidates on issues affecting Ohio families and communities, including affordability, healthcare, education, property taxes, LGBTQ+ rights, public safety, and the regulation of rapidly expanding data centers. We believe Dr. Acton offers an approach to governing centered on public service, listening, and improving the everyday lives of Ohioans. 

To those considering sitting out this election because you are angry, disappointed, or exhausted: we understand. We share the frustration of seeing transgender people repeatedly turned into a political issue rather than treated as neighbors, coworkers, parents, children, and citizens. 

But disengagement will not make those debates disappear. Our voices matter, particularly when our rights, our lives, and our place in Ohio are being debated through public policy. 

We are supporting Dr. Acton while also asking more of her. 

We believe she has the skills, strength, and determination to confront the challenges facing Ohio and to serve working families, local communities, and people who too often feel unheard by state government. We will also continue holding her accountable to the promise that every Ohioan deserves dignity, respect, and a voice in their government. 

Please make your voice heard in the November 3 election. 

Amy Heutmaker and Dion Manley 

About Amy Heutmaker 

Amy Heutmaker is the first open transgender woman to be elected to municipal office in Russell Township, Geauga County 

About Dion Manley 

Dion Manley was the first openly transgender person elected to office in Ohio.

Media Contact 

Amy Heutmaker 

E-Mail: peopleforamyheutmaker@gmail.com 

Dion Manley 

E-Mail: sfdaddy@gmail.com