Dr. Amy Acton, the only declared Democratic candidate for governor, picked up endorsements from Mahoning Valley politicians and actor Ed O’Neill, a Youngstown native.

In addition to O’Neill, Acton, who grew up in Youngstown, received the endorsements of state Rep. Lauren McNally of Youngstown, the only Democratic state legislator from the Mahoning Valley; Bob Hagan, a former state representative and senator; Michele Lepore-Hagan, a former state representative; Tom Letson, Warren city treasurer and a former state legislator; Youngstown Clerk of Courts Richard Vincent Hill; three Youngstown council members — Julius Oliver, D-1st Ward; Pat Kelly, D-5th Ward; and Anita Davis, D-6th Ward — as well as Brenda Kimble, a Youngstown school board member; and Michael Kripchak, who unsuccessfully ran for the 6th Congressional District seat last year and is planning to run again next year.

Acton, who rose to prominence during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as the state’s health director, said: “It means so much to receive the support from so many members of my hometown community. These are the public servants on the front line, who serve our state and local communities tirelessly and I look forward to working with them to tackle each problem we face head-on. And I’m truly honored to have Ed O’Neill standing with me and I thank him for always being a voice for the people of Youngstown and Ohio on the national stage.”

In a taped endorsement, O’Neill, who starred on television shows “Modern Family” and “Married… With Children,” said Youngstown has “got a kind of toughness like Dr. Amy Acton,” who “overcame poverty, periods of homelessness abuse and she moved countless times before she was 12.”

O’Neill said Acton “became a calming voice for millions in a time of crisis” during the pandemic. “She’s running for governor and I can’t think of anyone who could understand better the challenges faced by Ohioans in Youngstown and across the state,” he added. “So that is why from one Youngstown kid to another, Amy Acton’s got my support.”

Democrat Tim Ryan, who represented the Mahoning Valley in the U.S. House for 20 years, is giving serious consideration to running next year for governor. He plans to make an announcement by Sept. 30.

McNally said Acton “has always put people first in every role she’s taken on. She really listens and when it’s time to act, she doesn’t hesitate. I know she’ll bring that same energy and integrity to leading Ohio — not just on healthcare, but on so many issues that matter to us. I’m proud to support someone who’s truly part of this community and dedicated to making our state better.”

Davis, who is the party’s nominee for Youngstown council president in the Nov. 4 election, said: “I’m so proud to endorse Amy Acton for governor. It will be great to have someone from Youngstown leading Ohio. Her role as health director provided such a bright light for our state. She’s always struck me as a competent and bright individual.”

Letson said: “I like the way she was able to look at the facts and determine the course of action to better people’s health in the state of Ohio. I’m confident that she’ll do the same as governor and that extends to all aspects of government.”

Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur who briefly ran for president, has virtually locked up the Republican nomination for governor in 2026. He’s received endorsements from President Donald Trump, the Ohio Republican Party and numerous Republican officials nationally and in Ohio.

A Democrat hasn’t won a statewide executive branch office since 2008.