Ramaswamy’s Ohio Gamble: How a Hindu Billionaire Lost the MAGA Base

Key points

• Ramaswamy is trailing Amy Acton by 6 points in recent polls, despite spending over $120 million on advertising, more than triple his opponent’s budget.
• His Hindu faith and immigrant background have alienated Ohio’s Christian evangelical base, with some pastors refusing to endorse him or hosting events.
• South Asian voters in Ohio, including those who supported Trump in 2024, are turning against Ramaswamy due to his alignment with anti-immigrant policies and ICE enforcement.
• Acton’s refusal to debate Ramaswamy, citing his 'serial liar' tactics, has energized Republican voters but also highlighted the campaign’s reliance on personal attacks.
• The race has become a test of whether Ohio, once a reliable Republican stronghold, can shift to Democratic control for the first time since 2006.

Background

Ohio has been a Republican stronghold since 2006, with Trump winning the state by 11 points in 2024. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, launched his gubernatorial campaign in February 2025 with Trump’s endorsement. The race has been marked by intense ad wars, including a controversial spot featuring Acton’s estranged mother, which Trump defended despite bipartisan condemnation.

How outlets are covering it

Slate emphasizes Ramaswamy’s alienation of South Asian voters and Christian conservatives, noting his 'skinfolk, but not our kinfolk' status. CNN highlights his struggle to connect with blue-collar voters and his lack of Ohio political experience. Axios focuses on the financial disparity, with Ramaswamy spending over $97 million on ads. Time notes his 'pugilistic troll' image and the ad war’s escalation, including the Acton mother spot.

Why it matters

A Ramaswamy loss would mark the first time an Ohio Republican has lost a gubernatorial bid in 20 years, signaling a potential shift in the state’s political alignment. It could also indicate broader challenges for MAGA candidates in the 2028 presidential race, as Ohio’s diverse electorate becomes more resistant to extreme conservative tactics.

What to watch

The race will likely remain close until the final weeks, with early voting numbers suggesting Acton’s momentum. Ramaswamy’s campaign may face further backlash from the Acton mother ad, while Acton’s refusal to debate could continue to energize Republican voters. The outcome will hinge on turnout among Christian conservatives and South Asian voters, both of whom have expressed doubts about Ramaswamy.