Vivek Ramaswamy is facing growing backlash over a controversial campaign ad targeting Democratic gubernatorial opponent Amy Acton. Now, even Republicans are warning that the fallout could have already sunk the GOP candidate’s entire campaign.
Jim Renacci, who represented Ohio’s 16th Congressional District from 2011 to 2019, delivered a blunt assessment Thursday, suggesting the ad could mark a turning point in the race for governor.
“For those who follow the daily polls and political trends, the floor may have just fallen out from under the Republican campaign for Ohio Governor,” Renacci wrote on social media. He also warned that Republicans who fail to distance themselves from the ad could suffer political consequences of their own.
That’s a striking warning coming from within Ramaswamy’s own party.
Renacci wasn’t alone in condemning the ad, which features Acton’s estranged mother. Republicans in Ohio and beyond have joined the criticism, putting pressure on Ramaswamy to change course.
And Renacci made clear that simply defending the ad could make the situation worse.
“If he chooses to double down, I don’t see anything good coming from it,” he wrote.
His advice to Ramaswamy? Stop fighting to justify the controversy and get back to explaining what he would actually do as governor.
“Vivek Ramaswamy needs to pivot, and quickly,” Renacci said. “Stop defending the ad and start talking about his policies, his vision for Ohio, and why he believes he is the better candidate.”
The backlash presents Ramaswamy with a difficult choice: keep defending a campaign ad that has drawn criticism from fellow Republicans, or shift attention back to his policy agenda while trying to contain the political damage.
