Dayton, OH – Today, Innovation Ohio, a nonprofit think tank and good government advocacy organization, submitted a formal public records request to the office of Judge David Brannon asking for the release of any and all communications between Judge Brannon's office and attorney Michael Wright during the 2026 candidate filing period.

The Dayton Daily News has reported on allegations that Wright entered the race to benefit Judge Brannon, which Wright has denied. Security footage from the Board of Elections shows Wright meeting with Brannon and his staff immediately after filing his petitions to run against Brannon. Wright later withdrew from the race after accusations arose that he was running as a spoiler to help Brannon, who he previously publicly supported.

Since dropping out, Wright has aggressively campaigned for Brannon – who he previously was running against – adding to the speculation that Wright and Brannon were working together. Wright has appeared in campaign materials – including billboards.

“It is hard to see how Judge Brannon and Michael Wright are behaving and not think something shady is going on,” said Innovation Ohio President Michael McGovern. “Montgomery County voters deserve to know what promises have been made and whether they can trust Judge Brannon to deal with them fairly and honestly. We deserve judges who are on our side.”