👀 MUST-SEE: OHIO GOVERNORIAL RACE EXPLODES INTO HIGH‑STAKES MATCHUP AS RAMASWAMY AND ACTON ANNOUNCE RUNNING MATES.c1

The stage is set for a dramatic 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election as both leading candidates formally announced their lieutenant governor running mates, a key step that solidifies each campaign’s message and strategic direction ahead of the November showdown.

For Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy — the tech entrepreneur and high‑profile conservative known nationally for his outspoken views and previous presidential bid — the choice was Ohio State Senate President Rob McColley. McColley is a seasoned state legislator with deep experience navigating Ohio’s political landscape, including budget negotiations and major policy debates.

On the Democratic side, former Ohio Department of Health director Dr. Amy Acton selected David Pepper, the former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party and longtime Cincinnati‑area official, bringing a robust background in both political leadership and local governance to her ticket.

Both Ramaswamy’s and Acton’s selections reveal broader campaign priorities as voters begin to focus not only on who will lead Ohio but also how they will govern once in office.

For Ramaswamy, pairing with McColley — a legislator with firsthand experience working with governors and state government operations — helps balance his outsider profile with seasoned political know‑how. Republican strategists say this choice underscores a campaign focused on tax cuts, regulatory reform, and conservative governance. McColley’s record includes work on state budgeting, legislative leadership, and key Republican policy priorities.

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