Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has announced a personal retreat from social media, a move swiftly mocked by his primary rival Casey Putsch as a sign of weakness. Ramaswamy, a front-runner in the Ohio governor's race, revealed he deleted apps like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram from his phone on New Year's Eve.
Ramaswamy's Social Media Exit Explained
In an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal, the former biotech entrepreneur and ex-DOGE leader explained his decision. He stated his aim was to focus on direct, real-world interaction with voters in Ohio. "I’ll spend my newfound time listening to more voters in real-world Ohio, developing more policies to make our state affordable, and being more present with my family," Ramaswamy wrote.
He clarified that his campaign team would continue to use social platforms to disseminate messages, but he personally would no longer scroll through feeds. Ramaswamy criticized social media as "a tempting alternative" to expensive polls, warning it creates a distorted view of public opinion dominated by the most negative voices. He argued that online commentary is often influenced by bots and foreign actors, misleading politicians about the genuine concerns of voters.
Casey Putsch's Mocking Response
The announcement drew immediate fire from his intra-party opponent, Casey Putsch. After the Ohio Republican Party's X handle praised Ramaswamy, Putsch posted a mocking retort. "Except that he can’t handle the heat on X or IG. Tired of too many ads?... Or showing any respect for actual working Americans," Putsch wrote on X.
Putsch, who has positioned himself as an "America First" alternative to the Trump-endorsed Ramaswamy, has been a consistent critic. His attacks have focused on Ramaswamy's past stance on H-1B visas, immigration policies, and allegations of elitism. Putsch has also accused Ramaswamy of committing "fraud" by accepting a $50,000 college scholarship he allegedly did not need.
The Real-World Catalyst and Race Dynamics
Ramaswamy cited a specific experience that influenced his decision. He spoke at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, where online feedback predicted a hostile reception. Contrary to the digital forecast, he received a standing ovation from over 20,000 attendees. This disconnect reinforced his belief that social media pressures leaders to react to extremes instead of focusing on everyday issues like higher take-home pay, lower utility bills, and better education.
Despite the controversy, Vivek Ramaswamy remains the clear front-runner in the Republican primary for the 2026 Ohio governor's race, boasting significant funding and establishment support. The Democratic side features candidate Amy Acton. The clash between Ramaswamy and Putsch highlights the growing debate within the GOP about the role of digital platforms in politics and the authenticity of voter connection.
