The Dayton Building and Construction Trades Council on Friday endorsed Democrat Amy Acton for Ohio governor, publicly breaking with the statewide Affiliated Construction Trades (ACT Ohio), which has endorsed Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.
The council, which represents 18 construction unions across 10 counties in Southwest Ohio’s Greater Dayton and Miami Valley region, cited Acton’s commitments to working families, cost-reduction plans, and labor values in its decision.
“Dr. Amy Acton understands the struggles of working families and how to address the issues that matter most to working people. She is exactly the kind of leader that our union members need,” said David Cox, the Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Dayton Building and Construction Trades Council. “Dr. Acton is the clear choice to build a stronger future for the entire state of Ohio, and we are proud to endorse her for Governor.”
The endorsement adds to a growing list of organized labor backing for Acton, including the Ohio Federation of Teachers, the United Auto Workers, the Service Employees International Union District 1199, the Communications Workers of America, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the United Mine Workers of America, and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 6.
ACT Ohio, the statewide affiliated construction trades body, endorsed Ramaswamy — a Republican — for governor last year, with Executive Director Matthew A. Szollosi citing Ramaswamy’s “willingness to listen, engage and recognize the role that our members, contractors and training programs play.”
Acton drew a direct contrast with her opponent in response to the Dayton endorsement.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Dayton Building and Construction Trades Council. Unlike my opponent, who calls Ohioans ‘lazy’ and ‘mediocre,’ I know that unions and a strong working class are the backbone of our state,” Acton said. “I am the only candidate in this race that will lower costs for working families and put Ohio’s working people above corporations and special interests. As governor, I will always stand on the side of labor.”
