A former Valley native and former Ohio Department of Health Director appointed by Republican Governor Mike DeWine announced Tuesday she is running as a Democrat for the governor's job. 

58-year-old Dr. Amy Acton announced her candidacy to news outlets saying she had filed papers to run for Governor. Current Governor DeWine is term-limited out after this year.

“I grew up in Youngstown under difficult circumstances. I remember what it was like to feel hungry, worry about where I would sleep, and how I would stay warm. At times I felt invisible–and I know that so many Ohioans feel the same way," Acton said.

Acton said Ohioans struggle while "self-serving politicians and special interests take our state in the wrong direction."

Acton said she feels "It’s time to give power back to the people and our communities. It’s time for a change."

Acton was the former Ohio Department of Health Director during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic before stepping down.

“I’m a doctor, not a politician. I solve problems by bringing people together regardless of party to find solutions. So unlike most of our leaders I know the answer to moving our state forward isn’t giving politicians more power, it’s giving people more freedom," Acton added.

Acton said that she will spend the next several months talking with Ohio residents on challenges the state is facing.