POLITICS

Amy Acton picks David Pepper as lieutenant governor

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 83%

Right 17%

Sources: 6

60-Second Summary

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton named David Pepper as her running mate Wednesday, announcing the former Ohio Democratic Party chair will serve as lieutenant governor. Pepper, 54, is a Cincinnati attorney, former city councilmember and Hamilton County commissioner who previously chaired the state party. Acton and campaign materials cited his local policy work — foreclosure prevention during the 2008 recession, a county prescription drug discount program, earned-income tax credit initiatives and efforts to restrain property taxes — as qualifications. The ticket plans a joint Columbus affordability event Wednesday afternoon. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

About this summary

This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 6 original reports from Daily Mail Online, Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, WEWS, WCPO, https://www.cleveland19.com and FOX19 WXIX TV.

Timeline of Events

David Pepper served on Cincinnati City Council and later as Hamilton County commissioner (dates vary).
During the 2008 recession Pepper led local foreclosure prevention efforts.
Pepper later chaired the Ohio Democratic Party prior to 2026.
Wednesday: Both gubernatorial candidates announced running mates; Acton named David Pepper.
Wednesday afternoon: Acton and Pepper planned their first joint Columbus affordability event.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5

Who Benefited

Amy Acton's campaign benefited from adding David Pepper's local-government experience, state party connections and record on foreclosure prevention, tax measures and prescription drug programs to broaden policy credentials and appeal to Democratic and moderate voters.

Who Impacted

Other potential running-mate prospects and opposing campaigns lost the opportunity to position an alternative lieutenant governor candidate after Acton publicly announced her selection of David Pepper.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news.... The Acton campaign selected David Pepper Wednesday as lieutenant governor; reports confirm Pepper's prior roles as Cincinnati councilmember, Hamilton County commissioner and former Ohio Democratic chair. Coverage relied on campaign statements and Associated Press reporting, noting local policy work on taxes, foreclosures and prescription drug discounts.

Media Bias