Pepper, 54, is a Cincinnati native whose career has spanned politics, law, and public advocacy. The son of a former Procter & Gamble CEO, he served on the Cincinnati City Council and the Hamilton County Commission before leading the state party from 2015 to 2021. He is also known as an author and political commentator, frequently criticizing efforts to suppress voter participation in Ohio.
Acton, a former state health director who gained national attention for her leadership during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Pepper brings “deep experience and passion for strengthening democracy” to the ticket.
The Acton-Pepper ticket will lead the Democrats’ challenge to Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s successor in a race expected to test Ohio’s political leanings in the post-Trump era. Acton’s campaign has emphasized public health, education, and restoring trust in government—issues she says cross party lines.
Their joint appearance Wednesday marks an early effort to unite the party’s progressive and establishment factions behind a cohesive message ahead of the May primary.