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Ohio Democrats’ path to the governor’s office runs through rural areas that had turned against them
Acton is highlighting groundwater protection and farm concerns as Democrats try to win rural voters who backed Republicans by 71% in Washington County in 2024.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton announced support for a three-year moratorium on permitting new fracking injection wells in rural Washington County, citing water protection concerns.
Ohio Democrats are rebuilding trust from Appalachia to farm country by targeting disaffected Democrats, independents, and legacy Republicans weary of one-party rule, said Ohio Democrats Rural Caucus chair Chris Gibbs.
Acton has adopted moderate positions on immigration and cooperating with federal enforcement while touring rural hospitals and farms to address healthcare access and youth programs like 4-H.
Marietta City Council President Susan Vessels, a Republican, endorsed Acton's water stance, stating, "It is a pro-drinking water position, and it should be easy for any leader to support."
With the Nov. 3 election approaching, Acton and Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy are both courting rural voters in Washington County, where economic dissatisfaction makes the region a critical battleground.