Ramaswamy cuts ad length after backlash, but Cook Political Report shifts Ohio race to 'Lean D'

Key points

• Ramaswamy’s campaign switched to a shorter version of the attack ad after initial backlash, though it remains committed to spending $4 million on its deployment.
• The Cook Political Report changed its rating of the Ohio governor’s race from 'toss-up' to 'Lean D' following the ad’s release, citing the candidate’s flaws as a hindrance.
• The ad features Donna Arthur, Acton’s estranged mother, calling her daughter a liar; Acton and her mother have not had contact since 1978, when Acton’s stepfather was indicted for raping her.
• Ramaswamy stated the ad has 'nothing to do with childhood abuse,' while Acton’s allies and some voters described the move as exploitative and 'heinous.'
• Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, criticized the ad as 'deeply troubling,' while President Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended Ramaswamy’s decision to air it.

Background

The 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race has been contentious, with Ramaswamy and Acton trading negative attacks. Prior to the ad controversy, the race was considered a toss-up, but Ohio has not elected a Democratic governor in 20 years. The ad first circulated on social media on October 19, 2026, before Ramaswamy’s campaign confirmed its involvement on October 20. Acton, a former Ohio health director, has faced criticism from Republicans over her role in the state’s pandemic response.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News reports that Ramaswamy’s campaign switched to a shorter version of the ad after backlash, while The Washington Post notes that the Cook Political Report moved the race to 'Lean D' due to the controversy. CNN highlights that while core Republicans remain supportive of Ramaswamy, moderate and independent voters have expressed concern about the ad’s tone and content. The Washington Post also notes that Acton’s strategists remain cautious, arguing the race is still a toss-up due to Ramaswamy’s significant spending advantage and Ohio’s recent red shift. All sources agree that the ad has intensified the already bitter race, with 13 days left until Election Day.

Why it matters

The ad controversy highlights the risks of aggressive campaign tactics in a competitive race, potentially alienating moderate and independent voters. The Cook Political Report’s shift to 'Lean D' suggests that the backlash may be impacting Ramaswamy’s chances, despite his significant spending advantage. The incident also raises questions about the ethics of using personal trauma in political advertising, with critics arguing that it exploits Acton’s history for political gain.

What to watch

Ramaswamy’s campaign will continue to air the shortened ad, spending $4 million on its deployment. Acton’s campaign will likely respond with its own attacks, while both candidates will focus on mobilizing their base in the final days before Election Day. The Cook Political Report’s rating may shift again as the race progresses, depending on voter turnout and the impact of the ad on moderate and independent voters.