Vivek Ramaswamy suffers defeat in Ohio governor's race despite Trump’s backing

Washington: Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who contested the Ohio governor's race with the backing of US President Donald Trump, has suffered a defeat. Democratic candidate Amy Acton’s victory marks the Democrats’ return to the governor’s office after 20 years of Republican control. Acton, a public health expert who served as Ohio’s health director during the Covid-19 pandemic, is the first woman to be elected governor of the state.

Ramaswamy is a billionaire biotechnology entrepreneur who previously contested the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. His close ties with Trump, financial influence and early backing from the Republican Party had given him an advantage in the race. Several prominent figures, including Elon Musk, had also spent large sums supporting his campaign. During the final weeks of the campaign, Trump and US Vice-President JD Vance visited Ohio several times to campaign for Ramaswamy.

However, Trump's tariff policies, rising cost of living and the surge in fuel prices following the Iran war reportedly fuelled voter dissatisfaction, benefiting Acton's campaign.

An advertisement released by Ramaswamy's campaign featuring Acton's estranged mother triggered controversy during the election campaign. The advertisement featured her mother accusing Acton of lying about her childhood, drawing criticism from members of both parties. Casey Putsch, who had contested the Republican primary against Ramaswamy, criticised his campaign tactics and subsequently announced that he would vote for Acton.

Acton will take office following the end of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's term. Although she worked alongside DeWine during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, this will be her first experience of holding elected office. DeWine, who has been involved in electoral politics for nearly 50 years, is barred from seeking another term due to term limits.

Ramaswamy had earlier praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasised the need to strengthen India-US relations. Following a meeting with Modi at Blair House in Washington, he said he was honoured and delighted to welcome the Indian Prime Minister to the United States.

Ramaswamy, the son of immigrants from Kerala, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents had migrated to the US from Vadakkencherry in Palakkad district, Kerala. As election results continue to come in, Democrats are also making gains in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Ramaswamy's defeat is particularly significant given his close association with Trump.