Story perspectives

Ohio GOP Cancels Ramaswamy Events After Acton Ad

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 6:21 PM UTC · How we work

Center

DeWine defends Ramaswamy

In October 2026, Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy released a campaign ad featuring Democratic opponent Amy Acton’s estranged mother.
The Ohio GOP responded by marking the cancelled venues as “to be announced” on its event list.
Old Dog Ale House & Brewery (Delaware) and Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen (Newark) cancelled Ramaswamy.
Governor Mike DeWine called the ad “deeply, deeply troubling” but maintained his endorsement of Ramaswamy.

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Businesses cancel events

In October 2026, Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy released a campaign advertisement featuring Democratic opponent Amy Acton’s estranged mother.
The ad weaponized Acton’s sexual abuse, leading Plain Dealer to break its endorsement rule and endorse her.
Old Dog Ale House & Brewery and Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen cancelled Ramaswamy events.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine condemned the ad and demanded its removal.
President Donald Trump defended the ad as powerful, attacking media criticism.

History

Historical Context

In 1964, after years of only positive spots, Lyndon Johnson’s team hired Doyle Dane Bernbach and Tony Schwartz to create the “Daisy” TV ad, aired once on September 7 during NBC’s *David and Bathsheba*. Backed by $3 million in TV spending, the child-and-nuclear imagery shocked viewers, widened Johnson’s lead over Barry Goldwater and established a fear-based attack model echoed in the 2026 Ramaswamy campaign.

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DeWine defends Ramaswamy

In October 2026, Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy released a campaign ad featuring Democratic opponent Amy Acton’s estranged mother.
The Ohio GOP responded by marking the cancelled venues as “to be announced” on its event list.
Old Dog Ale House & Brewery (Delaware) and Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen (Newark) cancelled Ramaswamy.
Governor Mike DeWine called the ad “deeply, deeply troubling” but maintained his endorsement of Ramaswamy.

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