Ohio Restaurant Faces Backlash After Hosting Ramaswamy Amid Controversial Ad

Key points

• PJ Marley’s in Medina, Ohio, hosted Vivek Ramaswamy on October 31, 2026, during his gubernatorial campaign.
• The visit drew backlash after Ramaswamy aired an attack ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who called Acton a liar regarding childhood abuse claims.
• The ad, which cost approximately $1 million, was halted by the campaign after bipartisan criticism and internal polls showed it was backfiring.
• Restaurant owners Patty and Jon Stahl stated the visit was arranged before the ad’s release and was intended to discuss property taxes and electric costs, not to support the ad.
• Staff and owners received aggressive phone calls, negative social media reviews, and protests, with some demonstrators calling them 'pedophile supporters.'
• Amy Acton defeated Ramaswamy with 52.3% of the vote, becoming the first woman elected governor of Ohio in 16 years.

Background

Ramaswamy’s campaign faced significant criticism in late October 2026 for airing an attack ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur. The ad, which cost approximately $1 million, referenced a 1978 rape allegation involving Acton’s stepfather and accused Acton of lying about her childhood abuse. The spot drew bipartisan condemnation, with national Republican leaders defending it while state officials and Democrats condemned it as exploitative. Internal polls suggested the ad damaged Ramaswamy’s standing, contributing to Acton’s widening lead in the Ohio governor’s race. Acton ultimately won the election with 52.3% of the vote, ending 16 years of Republican control in the state.

Why it matters

The backlash against PJ Marley’s highlights the real-world consequences of controversial political tactics on local businesses and communities. It underscores how attack ads can polarize not just voters but also small business owners and their staff, leading to harassment and reputational damage. The incident also reflects the broader impact of the Ramaswamy-Acton race on Ohio politics, where the use of personal trauma in campaign ads drew bipartisan criticism and may have influenced the outcome. Acton’s victory marks a significant shift in Ohio, ending 16 years of Republican control and making her the first woman elected governor in the state.

What to watch

The Stahls have stated they do not regret hosting Ramaswamy and plan to continue operating their restaurant. They have begun deleting negative comments on their Facebook page to manage the backlash. Acton, as the new governor, is expected to focus on policy issues such as property taxes and electric costs, which were part of the discussion during Ramaswamy’s visit. Ramaswamy’s campaign has concluded its efforts in Ohio, and the state is now under Democratic leadership for the first time in 16 years.