Republican gubernatorial candidate Casey Putsch sparked controversy online after a social media reply in which he challenged fellow Republican Vivek Ramaswamy’s American‑ness.The exchange began when Ramaswamy, who is running for governor of Ohio in the 2026 Republican primary, posted on X about a recent meeting with Ohio conservationists and hunters. He wrote: “Great meeting with a group of Ohio conservationists and hunters. Sustainable wildlife conservation and hunting rights are crucial in protecting freedoms and the environment in Ohio.” The post included photos of the interaction.Putsch responded to Ramaswamy’s post on the same platform with a message that drew attention for its language. In his reply, Putsch said: “Says a Hindu anchor baby who doesn’t‑ Hunt, Shoot, Eat meat, or Have firearm knowledge Vote Putsch, Real American.”Putsch is a business owner and automotive entrepreneur from Perrysburg, Ohio. He founded the charity Genius Garage and is positioning himself as an “America First” alternative to Ramaswamy in the Republican primary. His campaign focuses on issues such as immigration and job opportunities for local workers. Putsch’s political platform focuses on stronger curbs on immigration and prioritising domestic workers. He has criticised Ramaswamy for what he sees as a lack of opposition to H‑1B work visas, saying that stronger protections are needed for “working Americans”.Ramaswamy is a billionaire and a candidate backed by US President Trump and is running on mainstream Republican and national conservative positions. His campaign has included outreach to voters on a range of issues, including environmental conservation and Second Amendment rights, as reflected in his comments about hunting and wildlife protection.The governor’s race in Ohio has attracted national attention, with several candidates offering differing visions for the Republican Party and the state’s future. Ramaswamy’s fundraising and endorsements have made him a prominent contender, while Putsch’s message seeks to appeal to a subset of conservative voters who favour stricter immigration policies.There is also a Democratic option for voters, Amy Acton, a former Ohio health director who is running for governor and has been endorsed by major unions and seen as a strong contender against Republican candidates in the November 2026 election.
