Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has strategically selected former Ohio Democratic Party chair David Pepper as her running mate for the 2026 elections. This move, which leverages Pepper’s political experience and Cincinnati base, comes as rival GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy names Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his partner. The race is now set up as a clash between Acton’s health and governance platform and Ramaswamy’s business-oriented agenda, with significant implications for Ohio’s political landscape.
Story Highlights
- Amy Acton taps David Pepper, former Ohio Democratic Party chair, as her running mate.
- Pepper brings a wealth of political experience, including a record of pragmatic governance.
- Rival GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy picks Ohio Senate President Rob McColley.
- The race sets up a battle between health-focused and business-oriented platforms.
Amy Acton’s Strategic Choice for Running Mate
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has chosen David Pepper, a former Ohio Democratic Party chair, as her running mate in the upcoming 2026 elections. This decision was confirmed on a Tuesday night and marks a significant move in her campaign strategy. Pepper, who has served as a Cincinnati City Council member and Hamilton County commissioner, is known for his pragmatic governance during the Great Recession. His experience includes initiatives like foreclosure prevention and prescription drug discounts.
On Wednesday, Acton and Pepper made their first public appearance as a team, coinciding with Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy’s announcement of his running mate, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley. The timing highlights the competitive nature of the race to succeed term-limited Governor Mike DeWine, with each side emphasizing distinct priorities: Acton’s focus on health and governance, and Ramaswamy’s business-oriented agenda.
BREAKING: Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton has chosen an outspoken former state party chair as her running mate, according to the Associated Press.
What we know: https://t.co/3TXvcSWHz6 pic.twitter.com/QQleaosqUv
— WLWT (@WLWT) January 7, 2026
Pepper’s Political Background and Impact
David Pepper’s selection as running mate is strategic, offering Acton a robust political ally with deep roots in Ohio’s political landscape. As the son of a former Procter & Gamble CEO, Pepper brings influential connections and a proven track record in local governance. Despite unsuccessful statewide runs in the past, his leadership as party chair from 2015 to 2020 saw notable victories in Ohio Supreme Court races, although he faced criticism for broader statewide losses.
Pepper’s political career, coupled with his Yale law degree and authorship of political thrillers, positions him as a formidable partner for Acton. His outspoken criticism of GOP initiatives, such as the failed 2023 constitutional amendment restrictions, aligns with the Democratic agenda to counter conservative policies, aiming to energize their base in a state won by Trump in 2020.
Implications for Ohio’s Political Landscape
The selection of Pepper as Acton’s running mate could have significant implications for Ohio’s political dynamics. In the short term, Pepper’s presence bolsters Acton’s campaign by leveraging his Cincinnati base and fundraising capabilities. Long-term, this move may test the Democratic party’s ability to regain influence in a traditionally conservative state. Pepper’s experience and connections could pave the way for future political aspirations, potentially mirroring Governor DeWine’s trajectory from lieutenant governor to governor.
As the primaries approach in May 2026, the Acton-Pepper ticket faces the challenge of uniting Ohio’s diverse electorate under a platform that addresses costs, corruption, and family values. Meanwhile, the Ramaswamy-McColley duo emphasizes pro-business reforms, setting the stage for a clash of ideologies that will shape the state’s future.
Watch the report: Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton selects former state Democratic Chair David Pepper as running mate
Sources:
- Amy Acton names former OH Democratic Chair David Pepper as running mate in Governor’s Race
- Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton selects former Democratic Party chair as running mate
- Acton selects David Pepper as running mate
