Amy Acton picks David Pepper as her running mate in Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial race.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has chosen David Pepper, former Ohio Democratic Party chair and Cincinnati public servant, as her running mate in the 2026 race. Pepper, a 54-year-old lawyer with experience in local government, brings a record in fiscal responsibility, foreclosure prevention, and expanding access to affordable healthcare. The announcement marks a key step in Acton’s campaign to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine. Meanwhile, Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy selected Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate, highlighting their shared focus on conservative policy and economic growth.