Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Wednesday morning that he is endorsing fellow Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the upcoming Ohio governor’s race. Ramaswamy will face Democrat Amy Acton, the former director of the Ohio Department of Health, in the general election.

“With the election year upon us, I am joining Republicans across Ohio in supporting our dynamic ticket for Governor, led by Vivek Ramaswamy,” DeWine said in a statement. “Ohio is winning new business projects from the coasts, and Vivek will keep the momentum going. Vivek Ramaswamy knows that Ohio is the best state to build a business, raise a family, and pursue your vision of the American dream.

“The first important decision any Governor makes is who will be his or her choice for Lieutenant Governor. Vivek Ramaswamy has made a great pick in Senate President Rob McColley to be his running mate. Senate President McColley is a strong leader who is well respected by the members of the General Assembly. He knows Ohio and brings geographical balance to the ticket.”

DeWine had held off on endorsing Ramaswamy until the candidate’s selection of McColley as his running mate. Ramaswamy announced Wednesday his pick of McColley. Acton also announced her running mate, attorney and former state Democratic Chair David Pepper.

Both candidates selected running mates with political experience, though the role of lieutenant governor is restricted to what the governor wants.

McColley was first elected to the Ohio House in 2014, serving two two-year terms. He was appointed in December 2017 to a vacancy in the state Senate. He has served as Senate president since January 2025.

Pepper served as Ohio Democratic Party chairman from 2015 to 2020. Before that, he twice lost statewide office — state auditor in 2010 and attorney general in 2014. Pepper is a former Hamilton County commissioner and Cincinnati councilman.

Ramaswamy said he selected McColley “to be a governing partner who can help advance our ambitious legislative agenda. Rob is a proven conservative leader and he is committed to my vision to make the American Dream a reality for every Ohioan.”

Acton, a Youngstown native, said she and Pepper “share a lifelong commitment to fighting for Ohio’s working families and making our state a more affordable place to live for all of us. David is an innovative and pragmatic leader who has been laser-focused on delivering for Ohioans for his entire career, from reducing the property tax rate for Cincinnatians to tackling foreclosures during the 2008 recession. I am thrilled to have David by my side.”

David Skolnick contributed to this report.