The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Dr. Amy Acton and David Pepper Discuss Defeating GOP in Ohio Gov Race

Date: January 13, 2026
Host(s): Ben Meiselas (with Brett and Jordy Meiselas)
Guests: Dr. Amy Acton (Democratic Candidate for Ohio Governor) & David Pepper (Running Mate, Lt. Governor Candidate)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the pivotal 2026 Ohio governor’s race, spotlighting Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton and her newly chosen running mate, David Pepper. The conversation unpacks the changing political tides in Ohio, exposes the failings and scandals surrounding Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, and lays out the Acton-Pepper team's commitment to public service and real, people-focused policy. The episode is rich in hard-hitting critique, campaign insights, and memorable soundbites—with the unmistakable blend of comedy and urgency that defines the MeidasTouch brand.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Political Landscape in Ohio

[04:10 – 10:03] Ben Meiselas

• Ohio, considered "ruby red" in recent years, is showing strong polling toward change.
• Trump’s approval rating is negative in Ohio (51% disapprove, 44% approve)—a dramatic shift since prior polls.
• Republican leadership in Ohio, notably Vivek Ramaswamy, faces mounting scandals and falling approval.
• Ohioans, particularly farmers hurt by tariffs and everyday families affected by expiring ACA subsidies, are "scared, exhausted, and want change."
• Recent headlines about Vivek Ramaswamy's bodyguard's drug smuggling arrest and his lavish vacations further alienate voters.

“It may be the first accurate thing that Vivek has ever actually said, because indeed, he is down in all of the polling there.”
— Ben Meiselas, [05:10]

2. Introduction of Dr. Amy Acton & David Pepper

[10:03 – 11:49]

• Dr. Acton describes a surge of hope and energy for change among Ohioans.
• Emphasizes that voters want public servants "who solve the problems of our everyday life instead of making problems."
• David Pepper, a respected anti-corruption advocate and former Cincinnati city councilman, joins as Lt. Governor pick.

“Everywhere we go in Ohio, there is an energy and there is such a want for change. People are exhausted by this chaos, hate, and vitriol.”
— Dr. Amy Acton, [10:07]

3. Why David Pepper?

[10:47 – 11:49] Dr. Acton

• Chose Pepper for his lifelong dedication to public service and fighting corruption.
• Pepper’s track record: Democratic Party chair, author exposing statehouse failures, and champion of reform.

“People in my state are struggling. There are special interests and bad actors who have been taking our state backwards on nearly every measure. And David has been a voice his entire career... I am just so grateful to have someone who cares about Ohioans the way I do.”
— Dr. Amy Acton, [11:06]

4. “Laboratories of Autocracy” & Ohio’s Decline

[11:49 – 12:49] Ben & David Pepper

• Ben references Pepper’s book “Laboratories of Autocracy”—on how corrupted state governments, not democratic “laboratories of ingenuity,” are driving poor outcomes.
• David Pepper lays out Ohio as a case study: gerrymandering and corruption lead to higher property taxes, higher childcare costs, and higher utility bills for families.

“Now we are a bellwether in how corruption and gerrymandering can not just destroy the politics, but destroy everyday outcomes for everyday Ohio.”
— David Pepper, [12:26]

• Pepper emphasizes the “clearest contrast” in the race:
  • Their "change ticket" vs. Ramaswamy’s pick of the very statehouse leader who enabled the corruption.

5. Contrasts and Campaign Philosophy

[14:39 – 16:56] Ben, Dr. Acton & Pepper

• Dr. Acton discusses a campaign video where everyday Ohioans read and react to derisive Ramaswamy quotes; the universal reaction is bafflement and laughter.
• Cites the disconnect between Ramaswamy’s billionaire-focused policies and everyday needs like healthcare, child care, and energy affordability.
• Emphasizes their grassroots approach: starting their campaign with working groups listening to small businesses.

“It makes no sense that we are putting the wants of billionaires and extreme special interests against the needs of everyday Ohioans.”
— Dr. Amy Acton, [15:43]

“Even when we launched, we launched... sitting around a table with small businesses, listening, deeply learning what it is that is needed from us.”
— Dr. Amy Acton, [16:34]

6. Ramaswamy’s Floundering Campaign & Snake Oil Politics

[16:56 – 20:25] Ben & David Pepper

• Ben and Pepper rip into Ramaswamy’s “snake oil salesman” persona and flip-flopping on culture wars versus policy.
• Ramaswamy’s shifting public image—leaving social media, new op-eds, scandals—make him appear inauthentic.
• Pepper points out: “the longer people see [Ramaswamy] and hear from him, the worse he does.”

“His polling number, he is very well known, and it’s quite negative. That’s why he always trails Dr. Acton overall and incredibly so with independence.”
— David Pepper, [19:14]

“People see through it...it is, again, one more con job.”
— David Pepper, [20:15]

7. Final Message & Mobilization

[20:25 – 21:38] Ben & Dr. Acton

• Dr. Acton offers a message of hope based on real action: "optimism plus a plan".
• The Acton-Pepper campaign is ready to restore Ohio as a bellwether for sensible, people-first governance.
• Call to action: support and get involved through ActonForGovernor.com.

“My definition of hope is optimism plus a plan. And I’m so excited because here in Ohio, we have a plan to turn this state around.”
— Dr. Amy Acton, [20:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It may be the first accurate thing that Vivek has ever actually said, because indeed, he is down in all of the polling there.” — Ben, [05:10]
• “Everywhere we go in Ohio, there is an energy and there is such a want for change.” — Dr. Amy Acton, [10:07]
• “Now we are a bellwether in how corruption and gerrymandering can not just destroy the politics, but destroy everyday outcomes for everyday Ohio.” — David Pepper, [12:26]
• “It makes no sense that we are putting the wants of billionaires and extreme special interests against the needs of everyday Ohioans.” — Dr. Amy Acton, [15:43]
• “People see through it...it is, again, one more con job.” — David Pepper, [20:15]
• “My definition of hope is optimism plus a plan. And I’m so excited because here in Ohio, we have a plan to turn this state around.” — Dr. Amy Acton, [20:50]

Important Timestamps

• [04:10] – State of the Ohio race, polling, and GOP scandals
• [10:03] – Dr. Amy Acton's perspective on the mood in Ohio
• [10:47] – Why David Pepper is the running mate
• [12:49] – Pepper on “laboratories of autocracy” and contrast with GOP
• [14:39] – Acton describes campaign video and the impact of Ramaswamy’s rhetoric
• [16:56] – Ben and Pepper discuss Ramaswamy’s “snake oil” tactics
• [20:41] – Dr. Acton's final call to action and message of hope

Takeaways

• Momentum Shift: Ohio is trending towards change, with GOP scandals and unpopular policies fueling the shift.
• Clear Contrast: The Acton-Pepper ticket promises a clean break from corruption, prioritizing real issues like healthcare, education, and affordability over culture wars and billionaire interests.
• Grassroots Energy: The campaign emphasizes deep listening, local engagement, and solutions for everyday Ohioans.

For more information or to get involved, visit ActonForGovernor.com.