Amy Acton Husband: Everything About Eric Acton, Their Marriage and Children

Amy Acton’s husband, Eric Acton, has attracted growing public interest as the former Ohio health director campaigns for governor against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. With Ohio’s November 3, 2026, election approaching, Acton’s personal life has received increased attention, particularly following a controversial campaign advertisement involving her estranged mother in October. Away from the political spotlight, her husband Eric is a longtime educator and athletics coach who has spent decades working with students in Bexley, Ohio.

The couple married in 2010 and share a blended family of six children. While Amy became a familiar face across Ohio during the COVID-19 pandemic, Eric has continued his career in education. Their marriage brings together two people whose professional lives have largely focused on serving their communities.

Who Is Amy Acton’s Husband Eric Acton?

Eric Acton is an American educator and sports coach best known publicly as the husband of Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s former director of health and Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

He has spent much of his professional career working in the Bexley school system, located near Columbus, Ohio. His responsibilities have included teaching middle school students and coaching track and cross-country.

Unlike his wife, Eric has not pursued a prominent political career. His public identity is closely connected to his work in education and athletics.

He has been involved with Bexley schools since 1987, giving him nearly four decades of experience working with young people.

Although his wife’s political career has brought additional attention to their household, Eric generally maintains a quieter public profile.

What Does Eric Acton Do for a Living?

Eric Acton has built a long career as a teacher and athletics coach in Bexley City Schools.

His work includes middle school education and coaching students in track and cross-country, sports that emphasize endurance, discipline, physical fitness, and consistent training.

Coaching young athletes involves more than preparing them for competitions. Teachers and coaches also help students develop confidence, teamwork, and the ability to handle setbacks.

Eric’s professional background reflects a commitment to education that began long before Amy entered statewide public office.

His decades of service in the same school community have also established strong professional roots in Bexley.

Specific details about his current teaching schedule, salary, and retirement plans have not been publicly confirmed.

When Did Amy Acton and Eric Acton Get Married?

Amy Acton and Eric Acton married in 2010, beginning a new chapter in their personal lives.

Both had previously been married and brought children from their earlier relationships into their marriage.

Amy’s first husband was Douglas Beech, a psychiatrist whom she married in 1989. The couple had three children before divorcing in 2008.

Eric was previously married to Barbara Davis-Acton. Their marriage also ended, and they had three children together.

After marrying, Amy and Eric established a blended household with six children.

Their relationship has continued through significant professional changes, including Amy’s appointment as Ohio’s health director, the pandemic, and her decision to enter the governor’s race.

How Many Children Do Amy and Eric Acton Have?

Amy Acton and her husband Eric have six children in their blended family.

Amy has three children from her previous marriage, while Eric has three children from his earlier relationship.

The couple’s family has grown over the years, and Amy has also spoken about the importance of being a grandmother.

Her personal biography has previously mentioned two grandchildren, although the number may have changed as the family has grown.

Despite Amy’s public career, the couple has generally avoided sharing extensive details about their children’s personal lives.

Their family remains an important part of Amy’s identity, and she has frequently connected her experiences as a mother with her interest in children’s health, education, and economic opportunities for working families.

Where Do Amy Acton and Her Husband Live?

Amy and Eric Acton live in Bexley, Ohio, a residential community located near Columbus.

Bexley has been central to their family life and professional careers. Eric has spent decades teaching and coaching in the local school system, while Amy raised her children there while pursuing work in medicine and public health.

The community also became closely associated with Amy during her time as Ohio’s health director.

In 2020, protesters gathered outside the family’s residence amid disagreements over the state’s pandemic restrictions.

The attention placed additional pressure on the household during an already demanding period.

Despite the challenges associated with Amy’s public responsibilities, the couple has continued to maintain its connection to Bexley.

Eric Acton’s Support During Amy’s Public Health Career

Amy Acton became widely recognized in 2020 while serving as director of the Ohio Department of Health under Republican Governor Mike DeWine.

She played a central role in communicating public health guidance during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her frequent appearances at state briefings made her one of Ohio’s most recognizable public officials.

The position brought significant professional pressure, public scrutiny, and criticism over pandemic restrictions.

Eric provided personal encouragement during this period. Amy has recalled her husband describing her approach to difficult circumstances as determination rather than fear.

His words became meaningful enough that she later shared the sentiment during a public health briefing.

The experience illustrated how their private relationship occasionally intersected with Amy’s demanding public responsibilities.

Amy Acton’s Governor Campaign Brings Attention to Her Family

Amy Acton’s campaign for Ohio governor has brought renewed interest in her husband and family background.

The former health director is competing against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in a closely watched election.

In October 2026, the campaign became particularly personal after an advertisement featuring Amy’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, questioned her account of her childhood.

Amy and her brother, Philip Stearns, responded by discussing their experiences of childhood abuse and their longstanding estrangement from their mother.

The controversy generated criticism from figures across the political spectrum and placed additional attention on Amy’s family history.

Throughout her campaign, Amy has emphasized healthcare, education, affordability, and support for working families.

Her experiences raising six children with Eric have also featured in discussions about the financial pressures facing Ohio households.

A Marriage Built Around Family and Community

Amy and Eric Acton have spent more than 16 years married, balancing their family responsibilities with careers in public service and education.

Outside their professional commitments, the couple enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and spending time with friends and family.

Eric’s work as a teacher and coach has remained separate from Amy’s political responsibilities, although both careers have involved working closely with Ohio communities.

As Amy continues her campaign for governor, interest in Eric Acton is likely to remain strong. His story is closely connected to education, family life, and the longstanding relationship he shares with one of Ohio’s most recognizable public health figures.