01/08/2026

Gubernatorial Candidates Announce Running Mates as Policy Focus Sharpens

Ohio’s presumptive Democratic and Republican gubernatorial nominees both announced their running mates this week, signaling early policy priorities that could shape the 2026 election.

Democrat Amy Acton selected former Ohio Democratic Party chair David Pepper as her lieutenant governor pick, unveiling the ticket during a Columbus discussion centered on affordability challenges facing families and small businesses. Acton and Pepper emphasized rising housing costs, property taxes, child care access, and the need for greater transparency and accountability in state government—issues likely to resonate across health care, aging, and housing sectors.

Republican front-runner Vivek Ramaswamy named Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) as his running mate, pairing an executive-branch outsider with a veteran legislative leader. Ramaswamy outlined an agenda focused on property tax reductions, education reform, tax policy changes, and regulatory rollbacks, while Governor Mike DeWine formally endorsed the ticket, citing McColley’s experience navigating the General Assembly.

While campaign messaging varied sharply, both announcements highlight that property taxes, affordability, education, and health policy will be central themes in the governor’s race.