Washington, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Ohio’s largest newspaper has reversed its policy of avoiding endorsements in major statewide and presidential contests to back Democrat Amy Acton for governor, citing an attack advertisement by her Republican rival, Indian-American businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, that it said crossed a line by invoking Acton’s childhood sexual abuse.
The editorial board of The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com announced its decision in an editorial titled “We cannot remain silent: Amy Acton for governor”, published on Sunday. It argued that using a candidate’s experience of childhood sexual abuse against her was unacceptable, regardless of political affiliation.
The board said it had introduced its non-endorsement policy after readers indicated they did not need the newspaper’s guidance in races for governor, the US Senate and president. However, it said the controversy surrounding the advertisement had prompted it to make an exception.
The editorial criticised Ramaswamy’s judgement and said his endorsement by President Donald Trump could not replace accountability, preparation or sound decision-making. It also faulted him for declining to participate in the newspaper’s 15-part series responding to readers’ questions, in which Acton and Libertarian candidate Don Kissick took part. The board additionally cited Ramaswamy’s decision to move his business from Ohio to Texas.
Acton served as Ohio’s health director under Republican Governor Mike DeWine during the Covid-19 pandemic. The newspaper described her as prepared for the governorship and urged voters to support her on November 3.
The advertisement at the centre of the controversy features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who calls her daughter a “liar”.
Ramaswamy has defended the advertisement and rejected the criticism. Speaking on Fox News on Monday, he said he would stand by what he considered right and true, while accusing his opponents of attacking him and defaming his mother. He also called Acton “crazy, unstable, and dishonest” and challenged her to participate in a debate.
The Ramaswamy campaign is reportedly supporting the advertisement with an advertising buy of around $4 million. More than 676,000 Ohioans had already cast early ballots, according to the source report.
Ramaswamy, 41, is the son of immigrants from Kerala and a biotechnology entrepreneur who sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 before endorsing Trump. If elected, he would become Ohio’s first Indian-American governor.
Ohio’s gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3.
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