New York, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian-American billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy has lost the Ohio gubernatorial election to Democrat Amy Acton after a fiercely contested campaign overshadowed by a controversial advertisement targeting his opponent, which drew criticism even from senior Republican leaders.
Ramaswamy, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, had modelled his campaign on the President’s combative political style. His campaign spent around $79 million, much of it from his personal fortune, estimated by Forbes at approximately $2.2 billion.
The controversy centred on an advertisement featuring Acton’s mother, who defended her husband, Acton’s stepfather, against allegations of sexual abuse and accused Acton of lying. Acton had suffered sexual abuse as a child, and her stepfather, who was charged in connection with the case, fled the state and remained a fugitive until his death.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance backed the advertisement, but it triggered strong objections from other Republicans, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Critics said the campaign had crossed a line by appearing to defend a man accused of sexually abusing a child.
The advertisement ultimately became a major liability for Ramaswamy, strengthening support for Acton, a doctor and former Ohio state health director. Acton overcame a difficult childhood and went on to build a career in medicine.
Ramaswamy, whose family traces its roots to Palakkad in Kerala, rose to prominence after graduating from Harvard. He built his wealth through pharmaceutical ventures and an investment company after working at a hedge fund.
He had contested the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 before withdrawing and endorsing Trump. Trump later named him co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Elon Musk, but Ramaswamy left the initiative as Trump took office and turned his attention to the Ohio governor’s race.
A victory would have made him the third Indian-American governor in the United States, after Republicans Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Nikki Haley of South Carolina.
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