COLUMBUS, Ohio (Diya TV) — Republican Vivek Ramaswamy faces growing challenges in his campaign for Ohio governor. Along with competing against Democratic candidate Amy Acton, he must also confront racist attacks and questions about his Hindu faith. The debate over his identity has brought America’s culture wars into the Ohio governor’s race as voters prepare for the Nov. 3 election.
Ramaswamy, who was born in Cincinnati to Indian immigrant parents, could become the first Hindu governor in the United States. However, his campaign has exposed divisions within parts of the Republican Party over race, religion, and immigration. Meanwhile, recent polls show Acton maintaining a narrow lead over her Republican opponent.
A report by The Washington Post examined how Ramaswamy’s Indian heritage and religious beliefs have influenced the campaign. It found that he faced racist insults on social media. In addition, some voters in rural Ohio expressed concerns about electing a Hindu governor.
Ramaswamy’s religious beliefs have attracted attention since his 2023 campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Now, the issue has returned as he seeks Ohio’s highest political office.
Interviews with voters in Monroe and Adams counties revealed mixed opinions about his Hindu faith, according to The Washington Post. Some voters said they preferred a Christian governor. However, they remained willing to support Ramaswamy because of his political positions and opposition to Democratic policies.
For example, Monroe County voter Mike Williams said he would prefer a Christian governor but planned to vote for Ramaswamy to prevent a Democratic victory.
Meanwhile, a September poll by Bowling Green State University and YouGov highlighted the possible electoral impact of religion. More than half of likely voters said a candidate’s Hindu faith could hurt their chances of winning a U.S. election.
The survey also found stronger concerns among rural voters, people older than 65, and those without college degrees.
Despite the criticism, Ramaswamy has openly discussed his Hindu background. He also frequently highlights his education at St. Xavier High School, a Jesuit school in Cincinnati, to emphasize his Ohio roots and connection to the American Dream.
During a town hall in Monroe County, he described himself as the son of legal immigrants who followed the rules and worked hard to build a life in America.
Beyond religious questions, Ramaswamy has faced racist comments targeting his Indian heritage. The Washington Post report also connected these attacks to wider anti-Indian rhetoric in American politics.
Some conservative influencers and political figures have criticized the growing presence of Indian Americans in industries such as technology and health care.
The report noted that nearly one in five voters in the Republican primary had supported a candidate who used racist language against Ramaswamy. That candidate also attacked immigrants and used the phrase “blood and soil,” which has links to Nazi ideology.
Ramaswamy has previously criticized politicians and commentators who focus on racial and ethnic identity. However, he did not publicly respond after Bo French, the Republican nominee for Texas railroad commissioner, faced criticism over a social media post targeting South Asian students at the University of Texas at Austin.
French later said his comments concerned what he viewed as preferential treatment for children of H-1B visa holders, rather than their race.
Interestingly, the report also found that some white supremacists had publicly expressed support for Acton instead of Ramaswamy.
The debate over race and religion comes as Ramaswamy tries to overcome Acton’s polling advantage. Several recent surveys show the Democratic candidate leading, although the contest remains competitive.
The RealClearPolitics average of surveys conducted between Sept. 29 and Oct. 26 gave Acton 48.6% support, compared with 44.3% for Ramaswamy. This placed her 4.3 percentage points ahead.
Similarly, the 270toWin polling average showed Acton leading with 47.6%, while Ramaswamy received 45.6%.
A Suffolk University poll conducted between Oct. 21 and 26 also showed Acton ahead. She received 48% support, compared with 44% for Ramaswamy. However, several results remained within the surveys’ margins of error.
The campaign has also faced controversy over an advertisement featuring Acton’s estranged biological mother. In the advertisement, she questioned her daughter’s account of her childhood.
Ohio’s religious makeup provides further context for the debate surrounding Ramaswamy’s candidacy.
According to the Pew Research Center’s 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study, Christians account for 64% of Ohio’s adult population. Meanwhile, 29% identify as religiously unaffiliated.
About 5% of adults identify with other religions. Hindus and Jews each represent approximately 1% of Ohio’s adult population.
These figures highlight the religious differences between Ramaswamy and much of the state’s electorate. Nevertheless, his political positions and appeal among Republican voters could play an important role in the election.
