2026 is shaping up to be another crucial election year, and the two leading Ohio gubernatorial candidates recently announced their running mates.

Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate for Ohio Governor, selected state Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate for lieutenant governor. Senator McColley has earned a lifetime 100% NFIB Voting Record during his time in the Ohio Senate. He was also recognized as a Guardian of Small Business for his strong advocacy on regulatory relief for small businesses while in the Legislature.

Amy Acton, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, announced David Pepper, former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, as her running mate. Pepper is an attorney and previously served as a Cincinnati City Councilman and a Hamilton County Commissioner.

NFIB will be closely monitoring Ohio’s gubernatorial race and has reached out to both campaigns to learn more about their positions on key small business issues. NFIB has an extensive, member-driven endorsement process that will start in the coming months.

Primary elections will be held on May 5th, and general elections on November 3rd.