Republican Vivek Ramaswamy escalated his attacks on Ohio gubernatorial rival Amy Acton, calling her “crazy, unstable and dishonest.” He defended his campaign’s controversial attack ad and claimed his own mother had been “defamed” amid criticism of the advertisement. He also accused Acton of avoiding debates as their contest for Ohio governor intensified.
During an appearance on Fox & Friends, Ramaswamy invoked advice from his upbringing to explain his refusal to back down. “You never start a fight, but if you find yourself in one, you finish it,” he said. He accused his opponents of attacking his family while the media remained silent.
Furthermore, he argued that critics had misrepresented the advertisement, which he maintained focused on Acton’s alleged dishonesty. “They’re lying about an ad that was about her lying,” he said. He extended those accusations to her political positions, describing them as “crazy and unstable and dishonest ideas.”
The Republican candidate then challenged Acton to debate him, saying he had accepted invitations from CNN and NBC. “She is hiding because they want to lie and then deflect accountability,” he said. He closed by arguing that his policies could lower costs and increase paychecks for Ohio families.
Vivek Ramaswamy’s Attacks on Amy Acton Draw Mixed Reactions
Ramaswamy’s remarks sparked divided reactions, with some questioning his campaign tactics while others defended his approach to the Ohio governor’s race.
One user questioned the political impact, writing, “How does this garner him votes? Completely alienating women”
Another response mocked the personal nature of the dispute: “i came for the governor’s race and somehow got seated at a very loud family dinner”
Meanwhile, one person demanded clarification about the advertisement, asking, “All I want to know is what Amy Acton’s mom is accusing her of lying about. Can we get some clarity on that?”
A separate user urged both candidates to focus on policy differences instead: “How about if we talk about the real issues that matter instead of character flaws.”
However, others defended Ramaswamy’s refusal to back down. One supporter wrote, “A man who will not suffer his mother’s name to be slandered may be trusted with the honor of Ohio. Stand firm, Vivek.”
Another focused on Acton’s debate participation, arguing, “If Acton wants to be governor, answering questions on a debate stage shouldn’t be too much to ask.”
The specific allegations of dishonesty remain disputed. Ramaswamy’s debate challenge also remains a point of contention in the Ohio governor’s race.
