By Rev. Donald L. Perryman, Ph.D.
The Truth Contributor
Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor. – William Cowper
When Amy Acton named David Pepper as her gubernatorial ticket running mate, the reaction across Ohio’s political class was immediate and pointed: Why him?
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, endorsed by the Toledo Blade and with a string of three consecutive municipal victories, seemed the conventional choice. On paper, he closely resembled Acton—an efficient manager, especially during tough times.
Yet statewide campaigns aren’t won on paper. They are won through strategic variety and perfectly-accentuated contrast. David Pepper brings a different flavor, harmonizing experience and expertise in network, fundraising, media access and timing —factors that appear to have determined Acton’s decision.
Early fundraising numbers set the scene. Acton’s campaign raised $1.35 million from nearly 33,000 donations, averaging $24, with over 90 percent under $50, according to published finance reports. Contributions came from all 88 counties, signaling broad grassroots support.
That enthusiasm faces a hard financial truth, though. Acton’s $1.35 million trails her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, who raised nearly $10 million in late 2025 and almost $20 million for the year, per news reports. So, Acton has work to do to close this gap, raise visibility and maximize funds.
That is where adding the Pepper fits, like a “flavor harmonizer in a carefully prepared dish — amplifying umami and adding structure that turns an ordinary dish into a star attraction” — Pepper brings strategic balance to the ticket.
A former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party and a nationally recognized author of multiple books on American politics, elections and threats to democratic institutions, Pepper contrasts distinctly with Kapszukiewicz, whose accomplishments are mainly based in local achievements and city governance.
Kapszukiewicz’s strengths—like Acton’s—reflect crisis management and leadership within a defined jurisdiction. Acton’s statewide experience as Ohio’s medical director during COVID demonstrates her capacity for coordination at the state level, and Pepper adds depth and complementary breadth with statewide party leadership and nationwide political experience.
“He is ‘savvy,’ offers powerful media and donor connections, can be featured on national outlets like Fox News or CNN, draws support from ultra-wealthy out-of-state donors and energizes Democratic primary voters with a focus on democracy, institutional integrity and political reform,” as one political insider told me.
That difference matters as Ohio elections grow more nationalized. The race’s high cost increases the value of a running mate who draws earned media and national donors.
Another campaign source put it bluntly: “Pepper’s got more ‘cred.’ He can raise more money, has a national perspective and appears on national shows like CNN. He offers ‘scale.’ Kapszukiewicz wins locally, but can he appeal beyond Toledo to independents in places like Monclova?”
The Blade’s endorsement of Kapszukiewicz, then, rests on Wade’s leadership in local governance, executive experience and strong regional ties—qualities essential for a mayor. In contrast, Pepper addresses the needs of a statewide campaign: amplifying messages across media markets, growing diverse donor bases, and bridging philosophical divides—skills better suited to reaching voters beyond a single region.
Still, the Acton–Pepper ticket faces an uphill battle.
With tensions rising and cities on edge, the ticket must turn support into steady funding and visibility to win Ohio votes.
In a state decided by small margins, David Pepper brings the essential seasoning —and the spark — that can turn a decent ticket into a winning one.
Contact Rev. Donald Perryman, PhD, at drdlperryman@centerofhopebaptist.org