Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dennis Kucinich has picked Akron City Councilwoman Tara Samples as his running mate.

 

The two will face a crowded field in the May primary, including former federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director, Richard Cordray and his running mate, former Ohio Congresswoman Betty Sutton, Ohio Supreme Court Justice William O'Neil, whose running mate is Chantelle E. Lewis of East Cleveland, former State Rep. Connie Pillich and running mate Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer, and State Senator Joe Schiavoni, and his running mate, Stephanie Dodd.

 

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, who had previously announced she was running for Governor, dropped out of the race last week, pledging her support to Richard Cordray.

 

Kucinich is well-known statewide as a result of his high-profile years as Mayor of Cleveland, as well as his time in Congress from 1997-2003. He also ran for President in 2004 and 2008.

 

Samples has represented Ward 5 on Akron City Council since 2013. 

 

Kucinich and Samples joined The Jasen Sokol Show for their first radio interview after the announcement: