Two Ohio Democrats running for governor on Wednesday announced their running mates to serve as lieutenant governor for the state.
Nan Whaley, the former mayor of Dayton, chose Cuyahoga County Council Vice President Cheryl Stephens, and former Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley selected State Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo).
Both candidates praised their running mates, arguing the lieutenant governor contenders will allow them to better serve the state.
“Cheryl and I come from different communities in different parts of the state, but we both know this: Ohio deserves better,” Whaley said of her selection.
I just announced @cherylforohio as my running mate!
Cheryl and I come from different communities in different parts of the state, but we both know this: Ohio deserves better.
We’re ready for this fight but we need your help! Can you chip? https://t.co/KUpP9wBY3q pic.twitter.com/MuLR2wmF2a
— Nan Whaley (@nanwhaley) January 5, 2022
Before Stephens was elected to the Cuyahoga County Council in 2018, she served as mayor of Cleveland Heights.
“I know she’ll bring the change we need to Ohio,” described Cranley of Senator Fedor.
It's official!
I'm thrilled to announce my running mate and candidate for Lieutenant Governor, @teresa_fedor. I know she'll bring the change we need to Ohio.
Can you pitch in today to show your support? https://t.co/k0rPzvZV0Q
— John Cranley (@JohnCranley) January 5, 2022
The state lawmaker has remained in office for more than two decades and is a dedicated advocate for progressive policies. In 2021, she introduced a bill to establish a universal, single-payer healthcare system for the state.
However, both candidates received immediate criticism from Republicans, slamming the selections for their previous support of “radical policies.”
“John Cranley and Nan Whaley have quite a few things in common, namely, failing the cities they were elected to serve, championing radical policies, and picking out-of-touch running mates to join their ticket—on the same day,” said Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Paduchik. “Ohioans won’t buy either candidate’s progressive policies that have led to rising crime rates and the worst poverty levels in their cities.”
Both Democrats hope to defeat the GOP nominee in November, which could be Governor Mike DeWine or one of his primary challengers.
Jim Renacci, one of DeWine’s opponents on the right, selected conservative filmmaker Joe Knopp as his running mate in December.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “John Cranley” by ActBlue. Photo “Nan Whaley” by Mayor Nan Whaley. Background Photo “Ohio Statehouse” by Steven Miller CC BY 2.0.
