Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton taps former state Democratic Chair David Pepper as running mate
January 7, 2026
Ohio gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton has chosen former state Democratic Chair David Pepper as her running mate. Acton confirmed her selection to The Associated Press ahead of their first public appearance together Wednesday. Pepper is a lawyer, writer and former Cincinnati City council member and Hamilton County commissioner. Acton says Pepper has a track record as a pragmatic problem-solver at the local level that will be an asset to her campaign. Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy planned a special campaign announcement in Cleveland later Wednesday. Acton and Ramaswamy are vying to succeed Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.