In a notable display of political civility, Republican candidate for Ohio governor Vivek Ramaswamy publicly defended his Democratic rival, Amy Acton, after a social media user attacked her Jewish religion. The Indian-American leader labeled the attack as "anti-American," sparking a wide range of reactions online.
Social Media Exchange Sparks Controversy
The incident unfolded on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. A user posted a mocking comment about the Ohio gubernatorial candidates, writing: "Ohio is cooked. Your choices for Governor are the Jewish covid lady and Vivek. Heads they win tails you lose."
Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican businessman and former DOGE lead, swiftly responded. He stated clearly that while he disagrees with his opponent on many issues, her faith is not a legitimate point of criticism. "There’s a lot wrong with my Democrat opponent, but her Jewish faith isn’t on the list. Back off, anti-American," Ramaswamy wrote.
Mixed Reactions and Political Context
This defense surprised many observers given the intense political rivalry between the two figures ahead of the crucial 2026 Ohio governor race. Ramaswamy has secured the endorsement of the Ohio Republican Party and enjoys strong backing from its leaders.
The social media response to his comment was mixed and revealing. Some users criticized Ramaswamy from a conservative standpoint, with one remarking, "Conservatism means conserving white Christian mostly Protestant identity." Another user questioned his authority, posting, "You are in no position to tell anyone who is or is not an American." These reactions highlight the complex political and social undercurrents of the campaign.
A Tight Race with Defined Candidates
The electoral contest is shaping up to be extremely close. A recent Emerson College survey found Amy Acton with 46 per cent support and Vivek Ramaswamy just behind at 45 per cent.
Amy Acton is a Democrat who rose to prominence as the director of the Ohio Department of Health during the Covid-19 pandemic. She helped lead the state's response to the crisis and has stated that her primary political priority is supporting working families.
Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy leverages his background as a successful entrepreneur and his national profile. His defense of Acton, focusing on American values over religious identity, marks a significant moment in the early stages of this high-stakes campaign.
The exchange underscores how social media continues to be a battleground for political discourse, where attacks on personal identity can quickly draw rebukes even from rivals. It also sets a tone for a race that will be closely watched nationally.
