Ohio’s Largest Newspaper Endorses Amy Acton, Criticises Vivek Ramaswamy’s Campaign Advertisement

The editorial board cited an advertisement released by Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that it said used Acton’s childhood sexual abuse against her.

In an editorial titled “We Cannot Remain Silent: Amy Acton for Governor”, published on Sunday, the board argued that using a candidate’s experience of childhood abuse as a campaign weapon crossed a line that voters should defend, regardless of political affiliation.

The newspaper acknowledged that it had introduced its policy of not endorsing candidates in major races after readers expressed the view that they did not need editorial guidance when voting for governor, the US Senate or president. However, the board said the circumstances surrounding the current contest had prompted it to reconsider that position.

The editorial criticised Ramaswamy’s decision to release the advertisement, questioning his judgment and suitability for the governorship. It also faulted him for declining to participate in the newspaper’s 15-part series addressing readers’ questions, which Acton and Libertarian candidate Don Kissick took part in. The board additionally raised concerns about Ramaswamy moving his business operations from Ohio to Texas.

The editorial argued that former President Donald Trump’s endorsement could not replace accountability, preparation or sound judgment. It described Acton, who served as Ohio’s health director under Republican Governor Mike DeWine during the COVID-19 pandemic, as prepared for the role and urged voters to support her in the November 3 election.

The advertisement at the centre of the controversy features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who calls her daughter a “liar”, according to a report by The Hill.

Ramaswamy has defended the advertisement and rejected calls to withdraw it. Appearing on Fox News’ Fox & Friends on Monday, he said his campaign was responding to what he described as attacks against him and his family.

He also criticised Acton for not agreeing to debate him, arguing that her absence from a debate would prevent voters from questioning her directly about the issues raised during the campaign.

Ramaswamy described his opponent as dishonest and questioned her willingness to face scrutiny. These remarks were part of his defence of the campaign’s approach amid criticism from Democrats and some Republicans.

The Ramaswamy campaign is supporting the advertisement with an estimated $4 million in advertising expenditure. More than 676,000 Ohioans had already cast early ballots at the time of the report.

The controversy follows a week of criticism directed at the Republican candidate over the advertisement, although Ramaswamy has continued to stand by it.

Ramaswamy, 41, is a biotechnology entrepreneur and the son of immigrants from Kerala. He previously ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 before endorsing Trump.

If elected governor, Ramaswamy would become Ohio’s first Indian-American governor, joining a small group of Indian-American politicians who have led US states, including Nikki Haley and Bobby Jindal.

Ohio’s gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3.