Amy Acton taps David Pepper as her Lt. Governor running mate

January 7, 2026

Dr. Amy Acton as tapped David Pepper, the former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, as her running mate in the 2026 governor race. Pepper is well-known in Ohio politics, and one of the reasons is his outspoken nature. His Twitter/X account boasts nearly 110,000 followers, has written several books about democracy and has been featured as a political commentator/guest on CNN and MSNBC/MSNow many times. In addition, he has been an essential political donor to Democratic causes.

“I am proud to select David Pepper as my Lieutenant Governor running mate. We both share a commitment to fighting for Ohio’s working families and making our state a more affordable place to live for all of us. David is an innovative and pragmatic leader who has been laser focused on delivering for Ohioans for his entire career, from reducing the property tax rate for Cincinnatians to tackling foreclosures during the 2008 recession,” said Amy. “I am excited to have David by my side in the fight to lower costs, tackle corruption and special interests, and ensure that every Ohio family can thrive.”

“I am honored and humbled to be joining Amy’s ticket and partnering with her in the fight to deliver for Ohio’s working families.Amy is the only candidate in this race who will tackle our affordability crisis and work to lower costs, tackle corruption, and invest in our public schools, so we can finally put working families first, not billionaires or special interests,” said David. “While our opponent is flying around our state in his private jet and moving his business from Cincinnati to Texas, we’re working to tackle the affordability crisis and create an Ohio where we can all get ahead.”

ABOUT DAVID

David Pepper is a lifelong public servant, lawyer and fifth generation Cincinnatian who has spent his career serving the people of Ohio, fighting to put working families first and make our state a more affordable place to live.

As Cincinnati City Councilman, David was laser-focused on addressing the core issues holding the Cincinnati community and its families back – tackling corruption, public safety, economic development and putting money back in Ohioans pockets by reducing the property tax rate every year he served.

While serving as Hamilton County Commissioner, David led the county’s fiscal turnaround, cutting spending by $60 million and shoring up the county’s financial health. Serving during the recession, David put working families first, spearheading a foreclosure prevention program that averted thousands of foreclosures across the county, introduced a prescription drug discount program and established an earned income tax credit for families. Throughout his career, David has consistently worked with both Democrats and Republicans to lower costs, invest in public safety and tackle criminal justice reform.

As Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, he oversaw investment in down ballot races and championed ballot initiatives to end gerrymandering, securing support from 70% of Ohioans twice. David also led the effort to elect an independent Supreme Court in Ohio for the first time in a generation.

David and his wife Alana live in Cincinnati with their two children, Jack (11) and Charlie (9).

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