Vivek Ramaswamy Pushes Policy Agenda in Ohio Governor’s Race, Criticises Amy Acton’s Refusal to Debate

Indian-American Republican Vivek Ramaswamy has outlined an ambitious policy agenda in his bid to become Ohio governor, proposing a $4 billion property-tax cut, a resumption of executions in the state and relaxed restrictions on handgun purchases by people under 21, while criticising Democratic rival Amy Acton for declining to participate in debates.

Addressing a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum on Wednesday, Ramaswamy said he supported the death penalty, signalling a departure from outgoing Governor Mike DeWine’s de facto pause on executions. He also said he was open to methods other than lethal injection.

On property taxes, Ramaswamy acknowledged that the proposed $4 billion reduction would not be fully offset by replacement revenue for schools. He also called for data centres to be built exclusively on abandoned industrial sites and proposed consolidating Ohio’s 14 public universities.

Ramaswamy said he had never met Acton and claimed her team had prevented the two from shaking hands. The account could not be independently verified.

Polling released in late September and early October showed varying results. A CNN/SSRS survey conducted from September 29 to October 5 put Acton ahead by 50 per cent to 42 per cent, while a New York Times/Siena poll conducted from September 22 to October 1 showed her leading 49 per cent to 45 per cent. A co/efficient poll from October 5–6, however, placed Ramaswamy ahead 45 per cent to 43 per cent.

Ramaswamy has invested more than $36 million of his personal wealth in the campaign, including a reported additional $5 million earlier this month. A super PAC supporting him is largely funded by a small group of billionaires.

His campaign has also faced criticism over data-centre development and a retreat from an “Ohioans-First” pledge promising free electricity.

President Donald Trump has campaigned for Ramaswamy near Dayton, while Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking in Lima, described Ohioans as “running against a crazy person”.

A biotech entrepreneur and the son of Indian immigrants, Ramaswamy ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.